Bills Acquire Star WR Amari Cooper in Trade with Browns

The Buffalo Bills traded with the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday to acquire Amari Cooper, securing a top-tier wide receiver for quarterback Josh Allen. In exchange for Cooper and a sixth-round pick in 2025, the Bills sent a third-round pick in 2025 and a seventh-round pick in 2026 to the Browns.

At 30 years old, Cooper addresses the Bills' need for a No. 1 receiver following the trade of Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans prior to the season.

Struggles in the Passing Game

This season, only three qualifying quarterbacks have recorded fewer completions per game targeting wide receivers than Allen. His current average of 8.5 completions per game is the lowest since his rookie year in 2018.

Completions Per Game:

• Jacoby Brissett: 7.2
• Will Levis: 7.4
• Justin Fields: 7.8
• Josh Allen: 8.5
  — ESPN Research

The Bills, who sit at 4-2, made the move shortly after their AFC East rivals, the New York Jets, acquired star wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Browns had received multiple trade offers for Cooper, who is in the final year of a five-year contract he initially signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Cleveland's decision to convert much of Cooper’s $20 million base salary into a signing bonus enhanced his appeal as a trade target.

After achieving a career-high 1,250 receiving yards in 2023, Cooper struggled in a Browns offense that has failed to score more than 20 points in each of its first six games. Although he leads Cleveland with 250 receiving yards and two touchdowns, his 4.7 yards per target ranks among the lowest in the league. Additionally, he has three drops, tying him for the sixth-most in the NFL.

"We appreciate Amari's hard work, professionalism, and contributions during his time with us," said Browns general manager Andrew Berry. "He created many memorable moments and was a key part of our playoff team in 2023. We wish him the best in Buffalo."

A Much-Needed Boost for the Bills

Cooper’s addition brings crucial support to the Bills' receiving corps. In the absence of Diggs, the team has relied on an "everybody eats" strategy to involve multiple players in the offense. However, recent games have shown the receivers struggling to create separation downfield, with the group ranking 25th or lower in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and first downs.

"First and foremost, we believe in the receivers we already have," Bills coach Sean McDermott stated. "We'll see how we can get Amari up to speed and integrated into our system. It's never about one guy; it's about the team."

To make room for Cooper, the Bills released wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, has amassed 691 receptions for 9,736 yards and 62 touchdowns over his 11-year career. This marks the third time he has been traded, previously moving from the Raiders to the Cowboys in 2018 and from the Cowboys to the Browns in 2022.

In related news, the New York Jets finalized a blockbuster trade on Tuesday to acquire Davante Adams, reuniting him with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Raiders received a conditional third-round draft pick in 2025, which could become a second-round pick depending on Adams' performance.

Adams expressed his excitement about the move, stating, "We're back, man," while joining Rodgers for an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show."

Adams, who restructured his contract to reduce his salary cap hit to $3.21 million this season, has been the target of significant trade interest. Following a tumultuous stint with the Raiders, he specifically requested a trade to the Jets, marking a notable return to a team that has shown a commitment to reviving its season amidst a challenging start.

Now, Adams joins a talented receiving corps, providing potential opportunities for other playmakers like Garrett Wilson, who has faced double coverage throughout the season. With both Rodgers and Adams' histories of success together, the Jets are hopeful this trade will rejuvenate their offensive strategy.

As the Jets look to find their footing in a challenging season, Adams' presence is expected to create mismatches and elevate their passing game, allowing other receivers more room to operate.

Adams' Career Achievements:

• 6-time Pro Bowl selection
• Over 600 receptions and 7,500 receiving yards with Rodgers

With both trades reshaping the landscape of the AFC East, the Bills and Jets are looking to capitalize on their new acquisitions as they aim for playoff contention.