The Facts: The Raiders have exercised the fifth-year option on Cooper, extending his contract through the 2019 season, the club announced Monday.
Diehards Line:
The Raiders originally drafted Cooper in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. Over his first three years, the 6-1, 210-pounder has totaled 203 receptions for 2,903 yards (14.3 avg.) and 18 touchdowns in 46 games. He was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons (2015-16), and is one of just three players in NFL history with 1,000 receiving yards and 70 catches in each of their first two years. That said, Cooper (48 catches, 680 yards, seven touchdowns) regressed in his third season and did his best work in the slot. New HC Jon Gruden has made it clear he wants more from Cooper, who worked through injuries last year. "He has to get healthy and stay healthy," Gruden recently said. "We need him to be the player he was the first two years. I've said it earlier. We're going to make him the main vein of our passing offense and move him around a lot." We'll be watching for signs of that usage as the team goes through OTAs, mini-camp and training camp. Stay tuned.