The Washington Redskins haven’t made a big splash in free agency in Ron Rivera’s first year, but it was not without some effort. The Redskins new head coach confirmed the team chased wide receiver Amari Cooper hard before he ultimately decided to re-sign with the Dallas Cowboys.
“Amari was somebody we chased hard all the way until the end,” Rivera said per Team 980 and 95.9. “We would’ve love to have him apart of what we’re trying to do here. He would’ve been a great veteran presence.”
Cooper opted to sign a five-year deal worth $100 million despite the Redskins offering more money that would have made Cooper the highest-paid wide receiver in league history.
Cooper was the Redskins’ top prize with hopes of placing him opposite of rookie sensation Terry McLaurin. However, that was not the case as Cooper sided to return to Washington’s rivals.
āWe were in it, talking about a substantial amount of money,ā Rivera said, via Chip Brierre of ABC 7 News. āAt the end of the day, he made a decision, and we have to respect it. He would have made a great addition.ā
After missing out on Cooper, the Redskins took a subtle approach to free agency.
They signed several low-risk, lower-tier free agents to short-term deals. As for wide receiver, Washington settled on signing Cody Latimer, formerly of the New York Giants and Denver Broncos.
While Latimer was a former second-round pick, he has yet to make a splash in his six seasons.
