Bills Acquire Amari Cooper: A Key Addition to Strengthen the Offense
The Buffalo Bills are set to make a significant move on Tuesday by acquiring a wide receiver expected to enhance their offense. They are trading for Amari Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round draft pick from the Cleveland Browns, giving up a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick in return. Thanks to a contract restructuring by the Browns earlier this year, the Bills will only take on less than $900,000 in cap space.
This season, Cooper has recorded 24 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns, which is commendable given Deshaun Watson’s role as the Browns’ quarterback. At 30 years old, Cooper is in his 10th NFL season and has previously made a name for himself with the Raiders and Cowboys.
Amari Cooper brings a similar level of age and experience to the Bills as Stefon Diggs, but his salary is significantly lower than what Diggs would have cost if he were still with the team.
Cooper joins a Buffalo offense that urgently needs assistance at wide receiver. Known for his strong route-running skills, he should be a major improvement over players like Mack Hollins, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Curtis Samuel.
Amari Cooper Statistics
Amari Cooper has amassed 691 career receptions, totaling 9,736 yards and 62 touchdowns.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady expressed confidence in general manager Brandon Beane’s decision to acquire Cooper, stating, “Bringing in a player like Amari is going to benefit everyone. It will help Josh, Khalil, Keon, Mack, and Curtis—really, it will help the entire team. He’s a talented player who can contribute to our victories and create more opportunities for others.”
The Bills have struggled with their downfield passing game through the first six games of the season. Although they’ve still managed to win, it has become clear that improving the receiving corps was necessary for future success.
Head coach Sean McDermott emphasized his belief in the current receivers on the team just before the Bills released Marquez Valdes-Scantling to make room for Cooper. “We’ll see how quickly we can get Amari up to speed and integrate him into our system,” he said. “We’re glad to have him, but it’s important to remember that it’s not just about one player—it’s about the entire team.”
Amari Cooper boasts seven seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, including 1,250 yards on 72 catches in 2023 and 1,160 yards on 78 receptions in 2022. If he is showing signs of slowing down, it’s hard to notice.
This season, he has been somewhat inconsistent, with six dropped passes, which ties him for the highest number in the NFL. However, some of these drops can likely be attributed to Deshaun Watson’s ongoing struggles with ball placement.
After the trade was finalized, Amari Cooper shared a post on Instagram saying, “Move or rust.”
In an interview with NFL reporter Josina Anderson, Cooper discussed the trade, explaining that Browns general manager Andrew Berry informed him about the situation. He expressed his admiration for Josh Allen, saying, “I’ve always been a fan of his game. Getting to experience it up close and play alongside him will be fantastic. Having been traded during a season before helps me, and I’m excited to start this new chapter and make a contribution.”
Amari Cooper: A Career Overview from the Raiders to the Bills
Back in 2015, the Raiders selected Amari Cooper with the fourth overall pick in the first round of the draft out of Alabama, and he quickly became a standout player. In his rookie season, he recorded 72 receptions, followed by 83 catches in 2016. By the time he was traded to Dallas, he had accumulated 225 receptions for 3,183 yards and 19 touchdowns during his time with the Raiders.
After joining Dallas, Amari Cooper continued to excel, recording 292 receptions for 3,893 yards and 27 touchdowns. The Cowboys traded him to Cleveland before the 2022 season.
In the Browns’ offense, Cooper has played 71 snaps in the slot and 276 outside, showcasing his versatility. However, since Khalil Shakir is well-suited for the slot position, Cooper will likely take on a boundary receiver role, potentially joining Keon Coleman or Curtis Samuel when the Bills utilize three wide receivers.