Stephen Cooper

44-Year-Old LinebackerLB

Free Agent

2023 Defense Stats

TCKL

SACKS

0.0

INT

2024 Projections

TCKL

SACKS

INT

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2023 Fantasy Outlook

There was no outlook written for Stephen Cooper in 2023. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.

Height 6'1"

Weight 235

DOB 6/19/1979

College Maine

LBSan Diego Chargers

October 11, 2011

The Chargers have decided to release Cooper, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

ANALYSIS
Cooper has lost playing time over the last season-plus, and he has recorded just one tackle in five games this season. Despite the minimal production, he should garner some interest from teams looking to add a veteran linebacker.

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NFL Stats

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2023 Stephen Cooper Split Stats

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Past Fantasy Outlooks

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

Cooper is a good source of tackles and solid pass defender — 98 tackles and four INTs in 2008 — whose overall production was off last season due to a nagging knee injury suffered in the first half of the Chargers’ Week 4 game at Pittsburgh. Cooper was averaging nearly 10 tackles a game at that point; that number dropped to 6.2 after the injury. Look for him to bounce back this season if he stays healthy.

Cooper had a solid 2008 season despite missing the first four games due to suspension. He finished with 98 total tackles and lead the team with four interceptions from the inside linebacker spot. Cooper is a sold contributor who should chip in with near 100 tackles and a handful of sacks and interceptions in 2009.

Cooper will eventually start at inside linebacker alongside Matt Wilhelm in 2008, but he will be suspended for the first four games after testing positive for a banned substance. Last year, in his first as a starter, he registered 108 tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

The departure of Donnie Edwards opens the door for Cooper to move into a starting role at inside linebacker. He hasn't accumulated much in the way of stats to this point in his career, but the Chargers thought enough of him to lock him up to a five-year deal prior to the 2006 season.

Cooper will likely serve as a backup inside linebacker although he could be elevated to a starting role if a teammate were to be injured. He has also been a great special teams player in the past.

More Fantasy News

LBSan Diego Chargers

Biceps

August 24, 2011

Despite earlier reports that Cooper would require surgery, it now appears as though he will try to keep on playing through his torn biceps, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "I told them, let me go out there and do it," Cooper said Tuesday. "I said, If you don’t feel like I’m doing my job or playing up to expectations, then you make the judgment."