GREAT MOVE: Chiefs Sign 5-Time Pro Bowl WR Free Agent to Prepare for Potential NFL Suspension of Rashee Rice
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On June 10, 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs strengthened their offensive lineup by signing five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper to a one-year, $6 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN. The strategic move, announced as Organized Team Activities began, serves as a precaution against a potential NFL suspension of wide receiver Rashee Rice.
Cooper, 30, brings a wealth of experience with 741 receptions and 10,014 receiving yards from his tenures with the Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and Buffalo Bills, per Pro-Football-Reference.com. Though his 2024 season saw a decline with 547 yards, his 74.8 Pro Football Focus grade and elite route-running ability make him a valuable addition. “Amari’s a proven star,” head coach Andy Reid said during a press conference, per Chiefs.com.
With Rice facing a possible multi-game suspension due to off-field incidents, Cooper joins rookies Xavier Worthy and veterans like JuJu Smith-Schuster to fortify a receiving corps that managed only 2,312 yards in 2024, per ESPN. The $6 million deal fits snugly within Kansas City’s $12.7 million cap space, per OverTheCap.com, and provides a significant upgrade over depth players like Skyy Moore and Justyn Ross.
The Chiefs’ 2025 draft class—including Josh Simmons, Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, Nohl Williams, Jalen Royals, Jeffrey Bassa, and Brashard Smith—added versatility, but Cooper’s veteran presence is expected to stabilize the offense. The signing complements other offseason moves, such as Travis Kelce’s pay cut and the addition of Gabe Davis. General Manager Brett Veach praised Cooper, calling him “a clutch weapon for Pat [Mahomes],” per NFL.com.
Chiefs Kingdom erupted with excitement on X. “Amari Cooper in KC? Mahomes is eating!” tweeted @ChiefsFanatic. With two draft picks remaining, including No. 226, the Chiefs are eyeing secondary depth to round out their roster. Cooper’s arrival, a calculated move by Veach, fuels optimism for a 2025 Super Bowl run, ensuring Patrick Mahomes has the firepower needed regardless of Rice’s status.
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