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In February, Cooper signed a three-year, $25 million contract with $8 million guaranteed. Jeremy Maclin signed a one-year, $6 million deal the next day. And DeSean Jackson was released four weeks later.
The team certainly had enough salary-cap space to keep all three. But for the most part, of the two re-signings, Maclin has been viewed as replacing Jackson, when many seem to forget they were the Eagles' starting outside receivers for four seasons.
Cooper probably benefited most from Jackson's departure in terms of his contract, though perhaps not on the field. According to Philadelphia Inquirer staffer Jeff McLane, Cooper's role could be diminished with the addition of running back Darren Sproles and the ascension of tight end Zach Ertz.
And despite the Eagles' assertions that Jackson did not open things up for Cooper, there is less proof that last season wasn't a fluke.
Head coach Chip Kelly has said that he believes he has more balance at the skill positions this season. But like Kelly and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, Cooper cautioned that it was early and that he heard the same questions last season.
"It's a long year, and for me that's how it always goes," Cooper said. "Everyone's always questioning this and questioning that and questioning my playing, and all this stuff. That's just how it all is."
As McLane noted, Cooper's numbers are one thing - 143 other receivers have more yards - but the combination of his frequent inability to get open against man-to-man defense and Nick Foles' reluctance, or failure, to throw to him when he's free warrants monitoring.
The quarterback-receiver chemistry played a large part in Cooper's surge after Michael Vick was replaced last season. Foles wasn't shy about throwing to Cooper when he had little separation, trusting his receiver's ability to get the throw. It seems like that trust isn't quite there yet.