Jets named best team fit for top free agent WR
Even though the NFL offseason is cruising along and free agency is in its third or fourth wave at this point, there are still plenty of quality options on the market for teams that are still trying to fill needs.
While the New York Jets addressed lots of needs in the draft, they could still use help, specifically at the wide receiver position. They have a star in Garrett Wilson, but after that it is largely a group of guys competing for snaps.
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Players like Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds could be in line for large roles in the offense, and they did draft Arian Smith in the fourth round, but having a proven weapon opposite of Wilson could do wonders for quarterback Justin Fields and the offense.
In a recent article from ESPN in which Matt Bowen named the best team fit for the top remaining free agents, he came to the conclusion that wide receiver Amari Cooper's best fit is with the Jets.
It does make sense from the Jets' perspective. While Cooper is 30 years old and his best playing days are most likely behind him, he would go in and instantly compete for snaps and elevate the WR position.
Here is what Bowen said about Cooper's fit with the Jets:
There's a need for competition in the Jets' wide receiver room opposite of No. 1 option Garrett Wilson. With Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds next on the depth chart, Cooper could come in and fight for work. Yes, the 30-year-old is showing signs of decline on tape, but he is still a detailed route runner who can uncover. He could be a solid target for quarterback Justin Fields on play-action concepts, getting open on deep in-breakers.
In 14 games with the Browns and Bills last season, Cooper caught 44 passes for 547 yards and four touchdowns. In nine full seasons, he has topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark seven times and caught 64 career touchdown passes.
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Cooper would at the very least raise the floor of the Jets' receiving corps and bring experience to a young Jets roster. He is a four-time pro bowler who has six 1,000-yard seasons under his belt. Just two years ago, Cooper had one of the best seasons in his 11-year career when recorded a career-high 1,250 receiving yards (2023).
Aside from the financials, Cooper would also need to agree to join a team that is in a transitioning phase at this point in his career. He doesn't have all the time in the world and he's most likely still ultimately trying to win a Super Bowl.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: New York Jets named best team fit for top free agent WR
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