Bills Land Star Wide Receiver Amari Cooper in Blockbuster Trade
In a move that shakes up the NFL landscape, the Buffalo Bills have acquired Amari Cooper, a true No. 1 wide receiver, in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. The deal brings Cooper, 30, to Buffalo, where he’ll team up with star quarterback Josh Allen, filling a void left by Stefon Diggs’ departure to the Houston Texans.
Cooper’s Arrival Addresses a Critical Need
The Bills’ offense has struggled without Diggs, with Josh Allen averaging only 8.5 completions per game to wide receivers – the lowest mark of his career since his rookie year in 2018. Cooper’s arrival provides a much-needed boost, giving Allen a reliable target to connect with.
A Career of Consistency and Excellence
A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Cooper boasts an impressive résumé: 691 receptions, 9,736 yards, and 62 touchdowns over his 11-year career. This marks the third time he’s been traded, having previously moved from the Oakland Raiders to the Dallas Cowboys in 2018 and then to the Browns in 2022.
Cleveland’s Decision to Trade Cooper
The Browns had received multiple offers for Cooper in recent weeks, making him an attractive trade candidate. By converting most of his $20 million base salary into a signing bonus, Cleveland made it easier for teams to acquire him. Despite leading the Browns with 250 receiving yards and two touchdowns, Cooper’s 4.7 yards per target ranked second worst in the NFL among qualifying pass catchers.
What’s Next for Cooper and the Bills
Cooper’s addition gives the Bills significant help at receiver, where the team has struggled to get open downfield. With Cooper on board, Buffalo can now integrate him into their offense and get him up to speed. As coach Sean McDermott emphasized, “It’s never about one guy… it’s about the team.” The Bills released wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to make room for Cooper on the roster.
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