NFL teams are looking to fill some roster needs before the 2025 season begins, including the Philadelphia Eagles. After a solid 2025 NFL Draft, the Eagles still have some roster holes. One question is who will be the number-three receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Jahan Dotson was expected to be that guy when the Eagles traded for him last year, but after a less-than-stellar performance, they passed on picking up his fifth-year option. Philadelphia added Terrace Marshall Jr. and also has guys like Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith, but they are still not true number-three receivers.
There are options in free agency to fill that void, and the Eagles could be enticed to go after a familiar foe.
A crafty NFL veteran is mentioned as a quality depth option for the Eagles offense.
NFL.com's Kevin Patra suggested that Philadelphia would be one of seven ideal landing spots for free agent wide receiver Amari Cooper. Patra credits the massive drop between Brown and Smith to the rest of the group is significant enough for the Eagles to look Cooper's way.
"Howie Roseman deserves the 'Dynasty Patriots Treatment,' wherein every available free agent or trade target is linked to his Eagles. The two-time Super Bowl-winning GM isn't shy about adding veteran depth -- see Julio Jones, 2023 -- and Philly's drop-off behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith is steep.
Jahan Dotson, the team's WR3, put up 216 yards last season. Behind that trio sits 2024 sixth-rounder Johnny Wilson and another reclamation project in Terrace Marshall Jr. As they did last year before the Dotson trade, the Eagles could let things shake out and see if any youngsters are ready to take on a bigger role.
However, adding a veteran could make sense as we near the season. Philly offers Cooper a legit shot at chasing a ring in 2025 that others on this list cannot."
Cooper is coming off the worst statistical year of his career, as he caught 44 passes for 547 yards and four touchdowns with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. He has played 12 seasons in the NFL and has made five Pro Bowls.
Eagles fans might remember Cooper as he terrorized Philadelphia's secondary with the Dallas Cowboys from 2018 through 2021. He averaged 81.6 yards per game against the Eagles and scored three touchdowns in a Cowboys uniform. All three touchdowns came in one game in 2018, where he caught the game-winning score in overtime off a deflected pass by Rasul Douglas.
The 30-year-old wide receiver may not be playing at the peak of his career, but he can still offer something for Philadelphia. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has had a good history of signing guys after the NFL Draft to be key contributors, including James Bradberry.
There's a chance that Marshall, Wilson, or Ainias Smith could grow into number three receivers, but Cooper gives them a temporary solution for this season and a guy who could use a one-year contract to prove he's still got it.
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