The Buffalo Bills have made a big move to strengthen their wide receiver group. They got five-time Pro Bowler Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns. This trade happened during the 2023 NFL season.
The Bills gave up a third-round pick in 2025 and a seventh-round pick in 2026 for Cooper. They also got a sixth-round pick in 2025 from the Browns.
Cooper has over 9,700 receiving yards and 62 touchdowns in his career. He’s expected to help the Bills’ passing game a lot. Before the trade, he had 24 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns in six games with the Browns.
To fit Cooper on the team, the Bills let go of wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. He had only two catches for 26 yards in six games this season. This shows the Bills believe Cooper will make a big impact on their offense.
Key Takeaways
- The Buffalo Bills acquired Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns via trade.
- Buffalo sent a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
- Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowler, has over 9,700 receiving yards and 62 touchdowns in his NFL career.
- The Bills released wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to accommodate Cooper on the roster.
- Cooper is expected to provide an immediate boost to the Bills’ passing game.
Buffalo Bills Acquire Amari Cooper from Cleveland Browns
The Buffalo Bills have made a big move by getting star wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns. This trade strengthens the Bills’ receiving corps. It also gives quarterback Josh Allen a reliable target for a strong playoff push.
Trade Compensation for Amari Cooper
To get Cooper, the Bills gave up a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Browns. In return, they got Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick. This deal shows the Bills’ dedication to building a better team.
| Team | Receives | Sends |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills | Amari Cooper, 2025 6th-round pick | 2025 3rd-round pick, 2026 7th-round pick |
| Cleveland Browns | 2025 3rd-round pick, 2026 7th-round pick | Amari Cooper, 2025 6th-round pick |
Why Amari Cooper Makes Sense for the Bills
Adding Amari Cooper to the Bills is a smart move. He’s a five-time Pro Bowler with a track record of success. Cooper has averaged over 48 yards per game in his 10-year NFL career.
He’s also known for his touchdown-scoring ability, even with less-than-stellar quarterbacks. The Bills’ wide receiver coach, Adam Henry, worked with Cooper in Dallas. This experience will help Cooper fit into the team’s offense smoothly.
“Amari Cooper gives us a proven playmaker who can stretch the field and create mismatches. We’re excited to add his skill set to our offense and provide Josh Allen with another dangerous weapon.” – Bills GM Brandon Beane
Getting Amari Cooper fills a key need for the Bills. With him, the offense gets a big boost. The Bills are now better equipped to make a deep playoff run and aim for a Super Bowl title.
Impact of Amari Cooper Trade on Buffalo Bills Roster
The Buffalo Bills’ roster is about to change with Amari Cooper’s arrival. Cooper might take Mack Hollins’ starting spot once he gets used to the team’s offense. Hollins has been leading in snaps, but the team has struggled to make plays.
To make room for Cooper, the Bills cut Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Valdes-Scantling had played 141 snaps but didn’t contribute on special teams. This shows the Bills believe Cooper will help Josh Allen and the team.
As the team gears up for the 2024 Paralympics, Cooper’s experience could be key to their success.
Here’s what I think the Bills’ wide receiver depth chart will look like with Cooper:
- Amari Cooper (starter)
- Stefon Diggs (starter)
- Gabriel Davis
- Khalil Shakir
- Isaiah McKenzie
Cooper’s addition could also help the rest of the receivers. Young talent like Khalil Shakir might get more chances to shine. This could be crucial for the Bills’ success and their aim for a championship.
Amari Cooper’s presence in the Bills’ starting lineup has the potential to transform their passing attack and open up new possibilities for Josh Allen and the offense.
It will be interesting to see how the coaches adjust the game plan for Cooper. His skill in creating separation could make him a key player. This could draw attention away from Stefon Diggs and help the other receivers.
Amari Cooper’s Reaction to the Trade
Amari Cooper is thrilled about his trade from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills. He’s excited for a fresh start and to play with Josh Allen, one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. This is Cooper’s third trade, but he’s hopeful about success in Buffalo.
Cooper’s Excitement to Play with Josh Allen
Amari Cooper told reporter Josina Anderson he’s a big fan of Josh Allen. “I’ve always been a fan of Josh Allen’s game,” Cooper said. “Playing with him will be great for my career.”
Cooper is looking forward to joining the Bills’ offensive system and teaming up with Allen. Their skills could be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Allen’s strong arm and Cooper’s precise routes could be unstoppable.
Embracing a New Chapter in His Career
Being traded midseason can be tough, but Cooper is used to it. He believes his past experiences will help him fit in quickly in Buffalo.
“I’m ready to embrace the team culture and winning mentality in Buffalo,” Cooper said. “This is a fresh start for me, and I’m excited to contribute to the Bills’ success.”
Cooper is ready to join the Bills and help them win. His positive attitude and dedication will make him a key player. With the Bills in the playoff race, Cooper’s arrival could be the spark they need.
Amari Cooper’s NFL Journey Before Joining the Bills
Before joining the Buffalo Bills, Amari Cooper was a standout wide receiver in the NFL. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Cooper quickly made a name for himself, achieving back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2015 and 2016.
Previous Trades in Cooper’s Career
Cooper’s career has seen him traded three times. In October 2018, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a first-round draft pick. With the Cowboys, he helped the team reach the playoffs in 2018 and earned Pro Bowl selections in 2018 and 2019.
Before the 2022 season, Cooper was traded to the Cleveland Browns. In Cleveland, he led the team in receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns in his first season.
Consistent Production Throughout His NFL Tenure
Amari Cooper has been a reliable and productive wide receiver throughout his career. He has had six seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, including the last two with the Cleveland Browns.
| Season | Team | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns | Pro Bowl Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Oakland Raiders | 1,070 | 6 | Yes |
| 2016 | Oakland Raiders | 1,153 | 5 | Yes |
| 2018 | Dallas Cowboys | 1,005 | 7 | Yes |
| 2019 | Dallas Cowboys | 1,189 | 8 | Yes |
| 2022 | Cleveland Browns | 1,160 | 9 | No |
| 2023 | Cleveland Browns | 1,250 | 5 | Yes |
Cooper’s consistent performance has earned him five Pro Bowl selections. His most recent selection was in 2023, where he set a career-high with 1,250 receiving yards and five touchdowns with the Cleveland Browns.
Salary Cap Implications of the Amari Cooper Trade for Buffalo
The Buffalo Bills got wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns. This move was smart for their wallet. Cooper’s deal with the Dallas Cowboys was big, but the Bills didn’t feel it too much.
Earlier this year, the Browns changed Cooper’s contract. They turned his $20 million salary into a signing bonus. This helped the Bills only pay a small part of Cooper’s salary for the rest of the season.
The Bills were tight on money before the trade. But Cooper’s deal fit their budget. This smart move lets the Bills keep their money while getting a great receiver.
| Contract Details | Value |
|---|---|
| Contract Length | 5 years |
| Total Contract Value | $100,000,000 |
| Signing Bonus | $10,000,000 |
| Guaranteed Money | $60,000,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | $20,000,000 |
| Dead Cap Hit for Browns (2025) | $22,000,000 |
| Bills’ Prorated Salary Responsibility (2024) | ~$800,000 |
The Cleveland Browns will face a big cap hit in 2025. But they can handle it. This won’t hurt their finances too much.
Cooper’s trade is seen as beneficial for the Bills as it addresses a significant need at wide receiver and fits well within their salary cap constraints.
In conclusion, the Amari Cooper trade shows the Bills’ smart handling of the salary cap. They got a great receiver without hurting their finances. This is thanks to the Browns’ smart contract changes.
Brandon Beane’s History of Midseason Trades
The Buffalo Bills’ General Manager, Brandon Beane, has made many trades during the season. His latest move is getting Amari Cooper. Beane is not just waiting for the trade deadline. He makes deals when it’s the right time.
Beane’s history shows he’s always looking to improve the team. He finds talent and makes deals to help the Bills compete better.
Notable In-Season Trades by the Bills’ General Manager
Since 2017, Brandon Beane has made some big trades:
- In 2023, Beane got Rasul Douglas from the Green Bay Packers on Halloween. Douglas started in his second game and made a big impact.
- In 2022, Beane traded for Nyheim Hines from the Colts. Hines helped with 53 yards and a touchdown in nine games.
- In 2017, Beane got Kelvin Benjamin from the Panthers. Benjamin caught 16 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown in six games.
- Beane also traded Zay Jones to the Raiders in 2019. This shows he’s willing to make tough decisions for the team’s good.
| Season | Player | Acquired From | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Rasul Douglas | Green Bay Packers | Started in his second game with the team |
| 2022 | Nyheim Hines | Indianapolis Colts | 6 carries, -3 yards rushing, 5 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD |
| 2017 | Kelvin Benjamin | Carolina Panthers | 16 catches, 217 yards, 1 TD in 6 games |
Brandon Beane has made seven in-season trades since 2017. His latest move, getting Amari Cooper, shows his bold approach. He’s always looking to make the Bills better.
Josh Allen Gains Another Weapon in the Receiving Core
The Buffalo Bills have added Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns to their receiving core. This move gives quarterback Josh Allen another skilled target in the passing game. It happened just after the Bills beat the New York Jets in Week 6, showing their dedication to boosting their offense.
Allen has been outstanding, with 1,160 passing yards and 10 touchdowns in six games. Cooper’s addition is expected to boost Allen’s stats. It will give him a reliable receiver who can consistently make plays and score touchdowns.
Allen’s Passing Statistics Through Six Games
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 1,160 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 10 |
| Yards per Attempt | 7.8 |
| Completion Percentage | 62.3% |
Cooper’s arrival fills the gap left by Stefon Diggs, who the Bills traded away. Before Cooper joined, the Bills’ wide receivers were ranked low in several areas. Cooper’s addition should quickly improve these rankings and give Allen a trusted target in key moments.
The Bills’ push for a Super Bowl title just got stronger with Cooper joining Allen. With Cooper’s history of production and Allen’s top-notch play, the Bills’ passing game could become one of the league’s best.
Amari Cooper’s Pro Bowl Pedigree and Cleveland Tenure
Amari Cooper is a five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver known for his top-notch talent. He has made 691 receptions for 9,736 yards and scored 62 touchdowns in 11 seasons. This makes him one of the league’s leading receivers.
He has had six seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. This shows his ability to make a big impact on offense every year.
Cooper’s Pro Bowl Selections and Career Accolades
Cooper’s five Pro Bowl selections prove his consistent excellence. His stats have made him one of the best receivers in the league. He has earned many awards and accolades for his outstanding performance.
His dominance on the field has made him a key player for every team. His Pro Bowl appearances show his status as a top receiving leader.
Cooper’s Performance in Cleveland During the 2022 and 2023 Seasons
In his two years with the Cleveland Browns, Amari Cooper showed his skills as a team leader and top receiver. In 2022, his first season with the Browns, he led the team in receiving yards (1,160) and receptions (78). He also set a career high with nine receiving touchdowns.
In 2023, despite the Browns’ struggles, Cooper remained a reliable target. He recorded a career-best 1,250 receiving yards. His standout performance against the Houston Texans on December 24, where he tallied 265 receiving yards and two touchdowns, further showcased his ability to take over games and make a significant impact on the Browns’ offense.