Who Should I Start? Amari Cooper or Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Thursday, September 4, 2:14 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper has informed the team that he intends to retire ahead of Week 1, citing a lack of desire to continue playing. Cooper, who joined the Raiders this offseason in hopes of competing for a starting role, was listed behind rookie Dont'e Thornton Jr. on the initial depth chart. The five-time Pro Bowler spent last season with the Browns and Bills, starting 10 of 14 games while recording 44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns. Cooper leaves the NFL after a decorated career, finishing with over 10,000 receiving yards and 64 touchdowns across stops with the Raiders, Cowboys, Browns, and Bills. His departure opens additional opportunities for Thornton and fellow rookie Jack Bech to carve out meaningful roles in the Raiders' passing game this season.

Saturday, September 6, 7:12 AM

The San Francisco 49ers promoted wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the active roster ahead of their season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Valdes-Scantling was signed to the team's practice squad on August 28. Last season, the 30-year-old spent six games with the Bills before being released and then signing with the injury-plagued Saints. MVS made waves in his second game with New Orleans, catching three passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns. He finished 2024 with a 19-411-4 line. Valdes-Scantling is a depth piece who will be competing for field time with Skyy Moore and not targets with Ricky Pearsall or Jauan Jennings (calf). He can be ignored for fantasy purposes in Week 1.