NFL free agency rumors: Marcus Cooper draws interest from Steelers, Jets
By Matt Conner
Former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Cooper is a free agent once again but is finding suitors in two AFC teams.
Marcus Cooper was once an unearthed gem for the Kansas City Chiefs. An undrafted free agent who ended up making impact plays in the Chiefs secondary, Cooper went through some struggles before being let go by John Dorsey. Since that time, Cooper has once again impressed during a recent stint with the Arizona Cardinals, and now he’s entering free agency with at least two AFC teams considering him for their own secondary.
Steelers have been in contact with Cardinals DB Marcus Cooper (6-foot-2, 4 INTs in 2016). Jets reportedly interested.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 10, 2017
The New York Jets make sense for Cooper since he would have played for then defensive coordinator Todd Bowles in Arizona. Bowles is now the head coach for the Jets. New York is looking for some help for their pass defense, especially after losing Darrelle Revis, and Cooper could fit the bill as a playmaking corner.
The Steelers have young players to develop at the corner spots, but signing Cooper would help increase competition and provide stability in a secondary that might be too dependent on developmental talent like Artie Burns, Ross Cockrell, Senquez Golson and the like.
Last year, Cooper started a career-high 13 games with the Cardinals and had 4 interceptions, including one for a touchdown, and 11 passes defended.