Raiders sign ex-Super Bowl champion WR amid Amari Cooper exit

The Las Vegas Raiders are getting a move on in the wake of Amari Cooper’s abrupt exit.

Las Vegas announced in a post to social media Friday that they have signed veteran wide receiver Phillip Dorsett. The 32-year-old Dorsett will be starting out on the Raiders’ practice squad. The team is also elevating pass-catcher Justin Shorter to the active roster.

This comes after the Raiders just had an unfortunate turn of events with the five-time Pro Bowler Cooper. After beginning his career with the Raiders back in 2015, Cooper returned for a second stint with the team last month, signing a one-year deal with notable incentives.

However, Cooper stunningly decided on Thursday, just a week-and-a-half after signing his new deal, that he would be retiring instead. The move left the Raiders scrambling just days before their 2025 season opener, especially since another notable wideout on the roster reportedly wants out as well.

As for Dorsett, he is mostly known as a speedster and was on the New England Patriots team that won Super Bowl LIII in the 2018 season. Dorsett went unsigned last season though and has not had a full year of action since 2022 with the Houston Texans (during which he caught 20 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown over 15 total games).

Thus, Dorsett probably won’t be much of a difference-maker for the Raiders, especially since he is actually older than the 31-year-old Cooper. But Las Vegas badly needs the bodies right now, and they continue to integrate new faces into their roster as a result.