The Buffalo Bills have added wide receiver Amari Cooper in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. The move gives quarterback Josh Allen a key offensive weapon. The Bills also received a 2025 sixth-round draft pick. In exchange, they gave Cleveland a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
This trade helps fill the void left by Stefon Diggs. Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans before the season. Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, now steps in as Allen’s new go-to target. He’s expected to bring much-needed consistency to the Bills’ offense.
Cooper’s Impact on the Bills’ Offense
Cooper, 30, brings proven experience to the Bills. He has 691 career receptions for 9,736 yards and 62 touchdowns over his 11-year career. Known for precise routes, Cooper excels at creating space for himself. His skill set should help improve Buffalo’s receiving corps, which ranks low in targets, receptions, and yards.
The Bills’ wide receivers have struggled to get open, especially in recent games. The team has used a balanced approach, spreading the ball to various players. However, this has not produced the results they wanted. Cooper is expected to fix these issues and reignite the passing game.
Coach Sean McDermott is excited about Cooper’s addition. “We believe in the receivers we have,” McDermott said. “But adding Amari can help. We’re eager to see how he fits in and elevates our offense.”
To make space for Cooper, the Bills released wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Josh Allen’s Struggles and Cooper’s Role
Josh Allen has had a slow start to the season when targeting his wide receivers. He averages 8.5 completions per game to them, his lowest since 2018. Only three other quarterbacks have worse numbers in this area. Adding Cooper should help Allen find more success throwing to wideouts.
Cooper has been a reliable deep threat throughout his career. He’s expected to be Allen’s go-to option on big plays and key downs. With Cooper, the Bills hope to increase their passing yardage and create more downfield opportunities.
Cooper’s Time in Cleveland
Cooper had a stellar 2023 season, with a career-high 1,250 receiving yards. But in 2024, the Browns offense has struggled, failing to score 20 points in any game so far. Despite that, Cooper leads Cleveland in receiving yards and touchdowns this season. However, his 4.7 yards per target is one of the worst in the league, and he has three drops.
The Browns had multiple trade offers for Cooper. He’s in the final season of his five-year contract, which he originally signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Cleveland converted most of his $20 million base salary into a signing bonus, making him more attractive as a trade option.
This marks the third time Cooper has been traded in his career. The Raiders traded him to the Cowboys in 2018. Dallas then sent him to Cleveland in 2022.
AFC East Rivalry Heats Up
The Bills’ trade comes just after their AFC East rivals, the New York Jets, made a major move of their own. The Jets traded for wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders, setting up an intense competition in the division. Both teams are strengthening their offenses as they push for playoff spots.
With Cooper, the Bills hope to stay competitive and solidify their chances in the AFC.
Looking Ahead
As the Bills move into the second half of the season, Cooper’s arrival brings fresh hope to their offense. His ability to stretch the field and make key catches could be the difference they need to maintain their winning record.
Meanwhile, the Browns are now focused on rebuilding. Cooper’s trade provides Cleveland with additional draft picks as they look to the future.
