Oakland Raiders: Six things we’ve learned through six weeks of play

Amari Cooper Is On His Way Out

Remember when Gruden was talking up fourth-year receiver Amari Cooper? Remember when Gruden said that Cooper was going to be the focal point of the offense? That the offense would run through the Alabama product?

Yeah, good times. Though, it hasn’t exactly shaken out that way this season has it?

Oh, he was the focal point of Oakland’s gameplan against Denver back in week two when he was targeted 10 times – and caught all ten passes for 116 yards. And again against Cleveland in week four, when he had 12 targets, making eight catches for 128 yards and a touchdown.

Other than that though, Cooper has pretty much been non-existent in the Raiders offense. He hasn’t even enough of a thought in the gameplan to actually be an afterthought.

In Oakland’s other four games, Cooper has exactly 10 targets, hauling in four of those passes for a whopping total of 36 yards.

At those numbers, Cooper is currently on pace to snag 59 receptions, for 747 receiving yards, and score just three times. All on an unbelievable 85 targets.

Those numbers don’t exactly make Cooper seem like the focal point of the offense, do they?

And now, we get word – or rather, whispers and rumors – that Cooper is on the trade block. And reportedly, the Raiders want a first round pick for him, to add to their growing pile of picks as they endeavor to reboot the franchise. Again.

It’s not likely the Raiders will actually get a first-round pick for Cooper, but they’re quietly pushing to get max value for him. One thing is clear though, Cooper is not long for Gruden’s Silver and Black world.