Raiders Sign Journeyman Guard Jonathan Cooper

Jonathan Cooper. Photo by Anthony Nesmith/Csm/Shutterstock

Following the news that guard Richie Incognito is set to serve the two-game suspension, Oakland Raiders acted quickly and added more depth on the position. Raiders confirmed on Monday that they have added Journeyman guard Jonathan Cooper, signing the 29-year-old to a one-year deal.

Cooper joins the Raiders after spending 2018 with the Washington Redskins. He was a starter in four games for Redskins last year before a torn bicep muscle prematurely ended his season.

In a corresponding move, Raiders decided to waive wide receiver Montay Crocket. Crocket signed with Oakland in June, after spending time with Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football.

After playing college football at North Carolina, Jonathan Cooper entered the 2013 NFL Draft as the top-rated guard in the class. He ended up being drafted by Arizona Cardinals, who took him seventh overall.

Before he could make his NFL debut, Cooper broke his left fibula during the preseason game and spent his entire rookie season on the injured reserve list. He managed to return from the injury in 2014, but was never the same player and struggled to be impactful on the field.

Cooper’s stint with the Cardinals lasted three years, after which he spent time with New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys among other teams.