Another blockbuster trade went down in the AFC East on Tuesday.
Cooper was part of trade rumors dating back to the offseason when the Browns were in discussions with San Francisco on a potential deal for Brandon Aiyuk. That swap was scuttled, but Cooper's name remained in trade chatter. It follows that if the Browns were willing to part with the veteran receiver in the summer, they would after a 1-5 start.
"We appreciate Amari's hard work, professionalism and on-field contributions throughout his two plus seasons with us," Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement on Tuesday. "He created many memorable moments with us and was an integral part of our 2023 playoff team. We wish him the best in Buffalo as he continues his NFL career."
Whereas the Aiyuk trade would have netted Cleveland a young, talented receiver in return, Tuesday's swap signals a turning of the page for the Browns. Jerry Jeudy, who Clevland acquired in a trade with Denver this offseason, slides into a WR1 role. Elijah Moore will likely see his role increased, and the offense will likely rely even more heavily on tight ends David Njoku and Jordan Akins moving forward.
Cooper, who has now been traded three times in his career, hasn't seemed comfortable all season, generating 250 yards on 24 catches with two touchdowns. The top-flight target has had a trove of miscommunications with quarterback Deshaun Watson as the entire Browns' passing operation has struggled to get off the ground thus far this season.
Moving up Lake Erie to Buffalo could bring a breath of fresh air for Cooper.
The five-time Pro Bowler offers Josh Allen a true No. 1 target, who at his peak can get open off the line of scrimmage, stretch the field and make big-time snags. Cooper's presence should slot the rest of the wideout crew into better roles, with Khalil Shakir working from the slot and less pressure on rookie Keon Coleman to be an every-down workhorse.
The Browns converting $18.79 million of Cooper's $20 million salary into a signing bonus back in March means the Bills will only take on $806.667 in salary on the swap. Buffalo entered the season hoping to toss bodies at the receiver position and see what stuck. After six weeks of staying afloat sans a go-to target, GM Brandon Bean got a potential difference-maker.
Following Monday night's game, the 2-4 Jets acquired Adams in an effort to get back into the AFC East race. Buffalo answered with Cooper. Moves and counter-moves.
The NFL announced on Tuesday during the Fall League Meeting that Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Falcons, will host Super Bowl LXII in 2028.
Cooper's Impact on Bills' Offense
The addition of Cooper gives the Bills a much-needed boost in the receiver room. Without Stefon Diggs, who was traded to the Houston Texans before the season, the team has been relying on a "everybody eats" mentality, aiming for a balanced offensive attack. However, the Bills' receivers have struggled to create separation downfield, particularly in the last three games. The Bills wide receivers currently rank 25th or worse in targets, receptions, receiving yards and receiving first downs.
Cooper's presence will provide the Bills with a true No. 1 target, giving Josh Allen a reliable option to stretch the field and make big plays. This will also allow other receivers, like Khalil Shakir, to play in more favorable matchups.
Cooper's Past Trades
This is the third time Cooper has been traded in his career. The Raiders sent him to the Cowboys in 2018, and Dallas traded him to the Browns in 2022.
Cooper's Career Stats
Throughout his 10-season career, Cooper has amassed impressive numbers, hauling in 691 receptions for 9,736 yards and 62 touchdowns. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl five times.
Bills' Response to Jets' Trade
The Bills' trade for Cooper comes just hours after their AFC East rivals, the New York Jets, acquired Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. This move by the Bills showcases their commitment to staying competitive in the division, even as the Jets aggressively pursue a return to playoff contention.
The Browns' Perspective
The Browns acknowledge Cooper's contributions to the team during his two-plus seasons. In his first season in Cleveland, Cooper led the Browns in receiving yards (1,160), receptions (78) and a career-high nine receiving touchdowns. He followed that up with another 1,000-yard season in 2023, recording a career-high 1,250 yards, including a 265-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Texans on Dec. 24. However, the Browns appear to be shifting their focus towards a younger group of receivers, with Jerry Jeudy taking on a more prominent role and Elijah Moore seeing his involvement increase. The team is also expected to lean more heavily on their tight ends, David Njoku and Jordan Akins.
Cooper's Performance in 2024
Cooper's performance in 2024 has been somewhat underwhelming. Despite leading the Browns with 250 receiving yards and two touchdowns, he has struggled with drops and a lack of consistency, This trade suggests that the Browns believe they can achieve success with their current group of receivers and are opting for a different direction.
The Future for Cooper in Buffalo
The acquisition of Cooper adds a much-needed dimension to the Bills' offense, giving them a proven, experienced target who can make plays both downfield and underneath. With his potential to stretch the field and create space for his teammates, Cooper has the ability to take the Bills' offense to another level. The Bills' decision to acquire Cooper highlights their commitment to building a championship-caliber team, even as they navigate a dynamic and competitive AFC East division.
The Bottom Line
The Bills' trade for Amari Cooper signifies their willingness to make bold moves to improve their team. While the Browns are moving in a different direction, the Bills are looking to make a statement by adding a proven veteran to their offense. Only time will tell how Cooper's arrival will impact the Bills' fortunes, but the acquisition of a player with his experience and talent is sure to create excitement among Bills fans.
The Cooper Saga
The acquisition of Cooper marks the second time he has been traded midseason. In 2019, Cooper was dealt from the Raiders to the Cowboys on Oct. 22; Cooper had 674 receiving yards in seven regular season games with the Cowboys that season, an average of 96.3 yards per game.
Additionally, Bills WR coach Adam Henry worked with Cooper in Dallas during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Cooper led the Cowboys in receiving yards in 2020 (1,114) and was second on the team in 2021 (865). The Cowboys traded Cooper to the Browns on March 16, 2022.
