DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 runs the ball for a 14-yard gain and first down in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 1, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The Packers should pitch Aaron Rodgers on a free agent play to sign him another top target — wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Rodgers doesn’t necessarily need another top wideout next to Davante Adams in the regular season, but come playoff time the Packers offense has looked predictable at times. No. 12 doesn’t have another receiver he trusts nearly as much as Adams, despite the presence of Randall Cobb and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
A solid No. 2 is something the Packers have been lacking next to Adams, and it could be one final pitch to keep Rodgers in Green Bay. While it had been thought Rodgers was leaning more towards a return to the Packers — especially considering all they’ve done to appease him — recent reports suggest he’s between four destinations or retirement, with Green Bay being one of those options.
Amari Cooper rumors: Can Packers afford him?
The Packers only hope right now to afford a player like Cooper would be for the Cowboys to release him. Dallas has until the fifth day of the new league year to cut Cooper loose, or trade him. Jerry Jones is indecisive on what Cooper’s exact fate will be, but he hasn’t seemed happy with the Dallas wideout since the season ended.
“Amari Cooper should take half the field with him when he runs a route…a whole bunch of that defense ought to have to honor Cooper. He ought to be able to catch it in the middle when they’re going with him. Others do. You throw to people that are covered all the time,” Jones said just after Dallas’ season ended.
The expectations on Cooper are immense with the Cowboys. When he’s released or traded, he won’t have those same presumptions placed on him.
Cooper alone might not be enough to keep Rodgers, but it’s worth trying.