Rashee Rice left a huge hole in the Kansas City Chiefs' offense. The second-year receiver's injury sent the Chiefs' front office into panic mode, trying to find a replacement in case the worst happens. Although there is still no official announcement on the matter, several names have been floating around, including that of veteran Amari Cooper.
After the troubles quarterback Patrick Mahomes had last year with his receivers, the Chiefs' brass took out the checkbook to fill the receiver room with top-level talent. Rice, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, and rookie Xavier Worthy were supposed to complement tight end Travis Kelce in the receiving duties.
However, the start of the season brought several headaches to the Chiefs. First, Brown injured a shoulder on the way to Week 1; then, running back Isiah Pacheco injured his fibula in Week 3. The latest addition to this list was Rice, who was hurt on his knee in the Week 4 game after a collision with Mahomes.
The severity of Rice's injury is still unknown, but team sources speculate that it could end his season. If the worst is confirmed, and with so many holes in their depth chart, it's almost sure the Chiefs will have to go out poaching receivers. Enter Amari Cooper.
Cooper is the most solid option
Nothing is certain yet, but analysts and fans have floated a few names that could come to replace Rice. The nine-year veteran, who plays with the Cleveland Browns, is among the most mentioned.
Cooper came to the NFL with the Raiders in 2015, then moved to the Cowboys, and has been wearing a Browns uniform since 2022. Throughout his career, Cooper has been known as a big receiver who often comes out on top on contested catches.
Despite his talent, analysts warn that Cooper doesn't have the most secure hands in the NFL. He has 16 catches this season, but he's been targeted 37 times, and he has the most drops in the league this year, with six.
With just 148 yards in four games, his lack of chemistry with quarterback Deshaun Watson, and his contract with the Browns entering its final year, Cooper is a strong candidate to leave the team next year. Given that outlook, a deal with the Chiefs may be the best solution for all three parties.
Who else could replace Rice?
There are other names circulating on social and mainstream media, including the Titans' DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk (Jaguars), Darius Slayton (Giants), and Kyle Pitts (Falcons).
Any deals for these players are highly complex, while Cooper's contract would only hit the Chiefs' salary cap by $600,000. If the Browns were willing to make a deal, they would receive a high third-round pick and a fourth-round pick in return.
Nothing is set in stone yet. Rice's injury could be less serious than expected, and Chiefs management could decide to wait for his return. However, if the worst-case scenario occurs, Cooper appears to be the best candidate.
