San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a one-year deal with guard Jonathan Cooper, the team announced on Tuesday. Cooper, who spent the 2017 season playing for Dallas Cowboys, will compete for a place in the starting line-up, according to 49ers general manager John Lynch.
“Having started 27 games in four NFL seasons, Jonathan brings great experience to the interior of our offensive line,” – said Lynch in a statement. “We look forward to him competing for a starting job at guard, while also bringing a veteran presence to our locker room. Jonathan is a welcome addition to our team.“
The 28-year-old is currently recovering from a knee surgery he underwent in the postseason. It is expected that he will manage to return to full capacity by the June minicamp.
Jonathan Cooper entered 2013 NFL draft as one of the top prospects and a projected top 10 pick. Arizona Cardinals ended selecting him with the seventh overall, making Cooper the highest selected offensive guard since New Orleans Saints took Jim Dombrowski with the sixth overall pick in 1986 NFL Draft.
Cooper’s professional football career, however, didn’t have a good start, since he broke his left fibula in one of the Cardinals’ preseason games. He never returned to his old form after the injury, while getting hit with numerous setbacks during his time with the team. He was traded to the New England Patriots in 2016, but suffered a right injury foot during the training camp and was eventually released. He was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns and ended up starting in three games for the team.
The 2017 season was career best for Jonathan Cooper, since he signed with the Dallas Cowboys, and managed to remain healthy through the season. He played 13 games for the Cowboys in the season, all as a starter.
