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🟣 BREAKING: J.J. Watt Set to Visit Raiders on 2-Year Deal Amid Amari Cooper’s Shocking Retirement
Las Vegas, NV — Sept. 6, 2025
In a whirlwind 24-hour stretch that’s shaken up the NFL preseason landscape, former Houston Texans defensive end and future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt is reportedly set to visit the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of finalizing a 2-year deal, per sources close to the organization.
The potential signing comes just hours after the Raiders were blindsided by the sudden retirement of veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper, who was expected to play a key leadership role in the Silver and Black’s new-look offense.
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💥 Watt to the Desert?
J.J. Watt, 36, retired after the 2022 season with the Arizona Cardinals, but has remained active and in top physical shape. According to NFL insiders, Watt has been quietly training and recently entertained offers from a handful of playoff-contending teams. His decision to meet with the Raiders suggests serious mutual interest.
> “He’s still got something in the tank,” said one AFC West scout. “If you pair J.J. with Maxx Crosby on that Raiders front? That’s dangerous.”
A 2-year deal could bring Watt back into the AFC — and in a division where the pass rush is king, the timing couldn’t be more strategic.
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😲 Amari Cooper Retires — Raiders Left Scrambling
Meanwhile, the Raiders are reeling from the unexpected announcement by Amari Cooper, who informed the team late Friday of his intent to retire from professional football, citing personal reasons. The announcement came just three weeks before the regular season kickoff.
Head Coach Antonio Pierce addressed the media this morning:
> “The timing wasn’t right, but we respect Amari’s decision. He’s had a tremendous career. We wish him nothing but the best.”
Cooper, 31, had rejoined the Raiders this offseason in a homecoming move designed to add veteran leadership and depth to a relatively young and unproven receiver group.
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🟠 Wide Receiver Depth Takes a Hit
With Cooper out, the Raiders will now lean heavily on Jakobi Meyers, who is entering the season as the team’s No. 1 wideout—despite ongoing contract negotiations that remain unresolved.
Behind him, the depth chart now features two high-upside but unproven rookies:
Dont’e Thornton Jr. (Oregon/Tennessee standout)
Jack Bech (LSU transfer with elite route-running skills)
Coaches are optimistic, but acknowledge the urgency of developing chemistry and experience quickly.
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🧠 What This Means for the Raiders
Position Key Name Status
DE J.J. Watt (target) Set to visit, 2-year deal pending
WR1 Jakobi Meyers Contract dispute ongoing
WR2/3 Thornton Jr., Jack Bech Rookies, unproven
WR (retired) Amari Cooper Retired suddenly
The Raiders’ front office now finds itself at a crossroads—reworking its offensive identity while potentially loading up on defense with one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers of the past decade.
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🎙️ Fan and League Reaction
Social media lit up within minutes:
> @NFLInsider88: “J.J. Watt back in silver and black? That AFC West just keeps getting tougher.”
@VegasRaiderFan: “Cooper retires… but Watt signs? I’ll take it. Bring on Week 1.”
@GridironTalk: “Raiders may have just traded offensive stability for defensive firepower.”
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🏈 Final Word
As the Raiders prepare for a pivotal season under Coach Pierce, the dual headlines of Amari Cooper’s departure and J.J. Watt’s potential arrival paint a picture of a team in transition — but possibly still in position to contend.
> “This is a locker room built on toughness,” Watt reportedly told a friend. “If I come back, it’s to make an impact — fast.”
If the deal goes through, don’t be surprised to see J.J. Watt in pads at Allegiant Stadium in the very near future.
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