It seems like Oakland Raiders have made peace with the fact that they won’t be any good this season, and have decided to enter the full rebuilding mode. After trading away All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack before the start of the season, Raiders are now reportedly exploring the possibility of dealing their leading wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Although Raiders’ coach Jon Gruden claims that the team wants to trade the 24-year-old, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports that Oakland already had conversations with other NFL teams and named their price; a first round pick.
“The Raiders have had some conversations about potentially trading him,” – Rapoport reported on The Aftermath. “My understanding is that they have asked for a first-round pick in exchange for Amari Cooper, which seems incredibly significant. And it might make it difficult if not impossible to trade him.“
It remains unclear whether Oakland Raiders will be able to get their asking price for Amari Cooper. While Cooper showed flashes of incredible talent that got him selected fourth overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, also struggled with inconsistency during his three and a half years spent in the league. Cooper played in all six games this season and managed to catch 22 passes for 280 yards and one touchdown.
According to former Cleveland Browns’ general manager Michael Lombardi, Raiders consider moving on from Cooper because they think he isn’t dedicated to the game.
“I don’t think they think Amari Cooper has got great passion for the sport,” – said Lombardi during his appearance on The Ringer NFL Podcast. “I don’t think they think he loves football. That’s what I’m hearing coming out of that building. I think they’re worried about his contract moving forward. It doesn’t sound like they are interested in giving him that kind of deal so they’re going to tear this thing down.”
