The Philadelphia Eagles are still dealing with the fallout from Riley Cooper's controversial remarks, but his career may not be over if the team cuts him. Several NFL executives told USA Today's Tom Pelissero that Cooper would be quickly signed by another team if he's released by the Eagles.
Cooper has been in hot water ever since a video revealed him using racial slurs at a concert. He was fined by the Eagles and later excused by the team to attend counseling. NFL executives speaking on condition of anonymity believe that it would be impossible for the Eagles to trade him, but that he won't last long on the free agent market.
"Very tough to trade him right now," one executive said. "Time passes - not sure how much time - but he would be signed if cut."
"A trade would probably be next to impossible," another executive said. "Just too volatile a situation right now."
Philadelphia's wide receiver depth is up in the air right now. Cooper was the presumed No. 2 receiver after Jeremy Maclin tore his ACL, but if he doesn't stay with the team, that role could fall to either Jason Avant, Arrelious Benn or Damaris Johnson. Pro Football Talk reports that the Eagles have no immediate plans to add another receiver to the roster, but that could obviously change if the Eagles cut him.
More from SB Nation:
• David Roth: What even Riley Cooper knows
• Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 2013
• Will injuries change the NFC West?
• Complete NFL training camp coverage