The Denver Broncos are facing an identity crisis on offense heading into the 2025 NFL season. On one hand, they’ve constructed one of the league’s most solid offensive lines, anchored by a dominant left tackle and a strong interior unit that has earned praise from coaches and analysts alike. Yet on the other side of the coin, the Broncos’ receiving corps has turned into one of the league’s weakest units — a glaring weakness that could once again derail the team’s postseason hopes. Now, amid growing speculation and increasing urgency, many around the league are calling for Denver to pursue a proven weapon before the season begins. Enter Amari Cooper — the five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, whose production, experience, and crisp route-running could be exactly what this team needs.
Cooper, who spent the last few seasons with the Cleveland Browns, has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level in various systems and under different quarterbacks. With nearly a decade of experience, over 9,000 career receiving yards, and a reputation for being one of the smoothest route runners in the league, Cooper is no stranger to pressure situations or the demands of being a No. 1 option. His availability — whether through potential trade or release — has sparked immediate interest across the league, but it’s the Broncos who may stand to benefit the most.
Denver’s wide receiver room has been decimated by injuries, underperformance, and inconsistency over the past two seasons. Jerry Jeudy was once heralded as a breakout star in the making, but between nagging injuries and unfulfilled potential, his future in Denver has grown uncertain. Courtland Sutton has provided occasional sparks but hasn’t fully returned to the form he showed prior to his ACL injury in 2020. Meanwhile, the supporting cast — including players like Marvin Mims Jr. and Tim Patrick — have failed to make a consistent impact. The result: Denver finished 2024 with one of the NFL’s lowest team receiving grades, according to Pro Football Focus.
That’s particularly disheartening given the strides the team has made in other areas. The Broncos’ offensive line ranked among the top five in pass-blocking efficiency last season, according to ESPN analytics. Quarterback protection was rarely the issue — the problem was separation, reliability, and the ability to create explosive plays downfield. And with a quarterback battle still looming between Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham, the last thing Denver can afford is a shaky supporting cast.
The logic behind a potential Amari Cooper acquisition is simple: stability, production, and professionalism. Despite bouncing between teams, Cooper has managed to post five 1,000-yard seasons and remains one of the most effective route technicians in the game. At 30 years old, he’s no longer in his athletic prime, but he continues to produce at a high level, as evidenced by his 1,200-yard campaign with the Browns last year — a season that included explosive games even amid quarterback chaos in Cleveland.
From a scheme perspective, Cooper fits perfectly with what Broncos head coach Sean Payton likes to do. Payton’s offense has always emphasized precision, timing, and leverage — areas where Cooper thrives. Whether it’s carving up man coverage on intermediate routes or finding soft spots in zone looks, Cooper’s game is tailor-made for a system that rewards discipline and intelligence. He wouldn’t just be a flashy addition; he’d be a reliable chain-mover who can take pressure off the quarterback, extend drives, and serve as a mentor to a relatively young and unsteady receiver room.
Then there’s the locker room element. Cooper is known for his quiet demeanor and businesslike approach — a quality that could resonate in a Denver locker room trying to establish a new culture under Payton. After several tumultuous years that included quarterback controversies, front office changes, and disappointing finishes, the Broncos could benefit from a veteran voice who leads by example. Cooper isn’t the rah-rah type, but he’s consistently earned the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.
Of course, the move isn’t without its complications. Cooper carries a significant salary — one the Browns may not be eager to absorb entirely if a trade is the route taken. Denver, while not cap-strapped, would have to maneuver financially to make room for a player of Cooper’s caliber. But given the urgency surrounding the team’s offensive struggles, it may be a price worth paying. Restructures, cap conversions, or back-loaded deals could help facilitate a signing or trade, especially if Cooper is released outright and becomes a free agent.
There’s also the issue of expectations. Cooper alone can’t fix everything. Denver still has questions at quarterback, and unless one of their signal-callers steps up in a major way, the offense may continue to sputter regardless of who’s catching the passes. But adding Cooper would at least give the Broncos a fighting chance — a legitimate WR1 who can alter coverages, draw double-teams, and open up the field for others.
What’s more, Cooper’s arrival could have a cascading effect on the rest of the roster. Jerry Jeudy, for instance, would benefit from a reduced burden, allowing him to work more freely as a No. 2 option. Marvin Mims Jr., with his speed and upside, could find more room to operate against lesser coverage assignments. And tight ends like Greg Dulcich — if healthy — would see fewer bracketed looks in the middle of the field. Cooper’s mere presence reshapes defensive game plans, and that alone is worth its weight in gold.
It’s also worth noting the broader context of the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs remain the kings of the division, but the gap isn’t insurmountable. The Raiders are in flux with a new coaching staff, the Chargers are entering a rebuild under Jim Harbaugh, and the Broncos, with a few more pieces, could legitimately challenge for a wildcard berth. In that light, signing a proven star like Cooper becomes more than a luxury — it becomes a potential difference-maker in a tight playoff race.
The time to act is now. Training camp looms, and every day that passes is another missed opportunity to build chemistry and cohesion. Cooper, if available, won’t stay on the market long. Teams like the Patriots, Saints, and Titans have also been floated as possible destinations, and if the Broncos hesitate, they may watch another contender scoop him up. For a franchise desperate to return to relevance — and a fanbase starving for playoff football — that’s a risk Denver can’t afford to take.
There’s also an intangible confidence boost that comes with a move like this. Making a high-profile signing signals to the locker room — and the league — that Denver is serious about competing. It’s the kind of statement that reverberates beyond the field. It energizes the fanbase, boosts ticket sales, and sets a tone for the season. In an era where margins are razor-thin, sometimes those symbolic wins are just as crucial as the on-field ones.
