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.

Monday, December 15, 11:54 AM

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the active roster ahead of their matchup on Monday Night Football with the visiting Miami Dolphins. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported the news. Pittsburgh intended to elevate the 31-year-old from its practice squad for their meeting with Miami, but will instead choose to make him a fixture on their roster for the remainder of the season. Valdes-Scantling made his first appearance with the team in Week 14, playing 31% of snaps and failing to bring in his lone target. He doesn't figure to be involved enough to matter for fantasy, and can likely be avoided in all formats.