The idea of Amari Cooper returning to the Las Vegas Raiders might sound appealing to fans longing for a familiar face in a young receiver room. But for former All-Pro lineman Lincoln Kennedy, the notion is more emotional than practical — and it’s one he strongly opposes.
On a recent episode of the Locked On Raiders Podcast, Kennedy didn’t mince words when asked if Las Vegas should pursue Cooper in free agency.
“No,” Kennedy replied firmly. “Let me preface this by saying, I remember when Amari was drafted. I was one of the first guys on the Raiders to interview him. I looked in his eyes and realized he didn’t want to be a Raider.”
Lincoln Kennedy Sounds Off: Why the Las Vegas Raiders Should Pass on Amari Cooper Reunion
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That first impression has stuck with Kennedy nearly a decade later. While Cooper posted productive numbers during his initial run in Oakland — including two Pro Bowls and multiple 1,000-yard seasons — Kennedy questions whether Cooper ever embraced the franchise or its culture.
“He didn’t enjoy his time in Oakland, that’s why he couldn’t wait to get out of there,” Kennedy added. “He thought he found success in Dallas. But my point for Amari is [that] he never took the next step to develop his route-running skills. He’s not a good route-running receiver.”
That sentiment extends beyond personality and into football fundamentals. Kennedy isn’t just commenting on attitude — he’s questioning fit and effectiveness.
“He’s a solid receiver when you get him in open space,” he acknowledged, “but not what the Raiders need. It doesn’t make sense to spend money over a name. That’s all Amari Cooper is right now — a name.”
A New Era in Las Vegas
The Raiders, now under the leadership of head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Spytek, are trying to reshape their identity. With Geno Smith at quarterback and rookie Jack Bech turning heads in offseason workouts, the team appears committed to a new chapter.
Veteran receiver Jakobi Meyers remains the anchor of the unit. Though not as flashy as Cooper, Meyers has quietly caught 67.9% of his targets across his career — compared to Cooper’s 56.3% in 2024. That efficiency, paired with leadership, gives Meyers a steady presence that doesn’t come with Cooper’s inconsistency.
“We already have guys who can do what Amari would be brought in to do,” Kennedy said. “Only younger, with better hands.”
Jason Fitz Weighs In
Even longtime Raiders supporter and FOX Sports analyst Jason Fitz echoed skepticism.
“For everyone that says go out and get Amari — I don’t know that Amari even wants to come back,” Fitz said. “It wasn’t a great period in his life… sometimes those things get glossed over.”
Cooper’s 2024 season — split between Cleveland and Buffalo — yielded just 44 catches, 547 yards, and four touchdowns. At 30, his best days may be behind him. The Raiders, meanwhile, are looking forward.
Kennedy’s take isn’t rooted in nostalgia. It’s a warning, grounded in firsthand knowledge and football sense: chasing names doesn’t build contenders — commitment does.