In a surprising trade, the Buffalo Bills acquired Amari Cooper from the struggling Cleveland Browns on Tuesday. This move aimed to bolster quarterback Josh Allen’s receiving corps as the Bills sought to stay competitive in the AFC East and make a significant playoff run.
Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowler and recognized for his exceptional route-running, was looking for a fresh start after a tumultuous third season in Cleveland. The 30-year-old wide receiver has faced some challenges recently, including a series of uncharacteristic drops that negatively impacted the performance of Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Despite these difficulties, Cooper managed to lead the Browns with 24 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns so far this season.
The Bills would part with a third-round pick in the 2025 draft and a seventh-round pick in 2026, while receiving Cooper and a sixth-round pick in 2025 in return. This trade occurred just after the Bills secured a narrow win against the New York Jets, improving their record to 4-2.
Head coach Sean McDermott expressed optimism about the trade, noting it would provide a boost to the team’s morale. “Any time you feel like you’re improving as a football team, I would say yes,” McDermott remarked. He acknowledged, however, that the effectiveness of the trade would ultimately depend on how well Cooper meshes with the team in the coming days.
Cooper is set to practice with the Bills as they prepare for their upcoming game against Tennessee. His experience and skills are expected to significantly enhance Buffalo’s receiving unit, especially following the offseason trade of Stefon Diggs to Houston. Khalil Shakir currently leads the Bills’ receiving corps with 20 catches for 249 yards and two touchdowns.
While Cooper’s departure leaves a void for the Browns, it opens up opportunities for Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, and Cedric Tillman. Jeudy, who joined Cleveland this offseason, has contributed 20 catches for 248 yards and a touchdown. Moore has 16 catches for 95 yards but faces injury concerns, while Tillman has had limited production with just three catches this season.
The Browns’ decision to trade Cooper signals a potential shift in their season, as they struggle with a losing record of 1-5 and the NFL’s lowest offensive output. The team has been unable to score 20 points or gain 300 yards in a game so far this season. General manager Andrew Berry acknowledged Cooper’s contributions during his time with the Broncos, expressing gratitude for his professionalism and dedication over the past two-plus seasons.
Before the trade, Cooper had faced a season filled with mixed signals, including contract negotiations and trade rumors. Despite the uncertainty, he quickly became a valuable asset for the Browns and helped in their recent playoff run in 2023. Coach McDermott took the initiative to review film of every pass thrown to Cooper this year and consulted with receivers coach Adam Henry, who had previously worked with Cooper in Dallas, to gain insights into his playing style.
As the Bills welcome Cooper into their ranks, they aim to capitalize on his proven track record and skill set. The franchise is responsible for only a fraction of his remaining salary this season, making the acquisition financially feasible. This strategic move not only aims to enhance the Bills’ offense but also reflects a broader effort to navigate the competitive landscape of the NFL.
With the addition of Cooper, Buffalo hopes to sustain its momentum and outperform its rivals in the AFC East. As fans look forward to seeing him don the Bills jersey, the expectation is that Cooper will thrive in a new environment and contribute to the team’s success.
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