Brashna Kasi
The Buffalo Bills are making headlines once again, this time by acquiring veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns. This strategic move aims to strengthen their receiving corps as they seek to maintain their lead in the AFC East after a shaky start to the season.
Details of the Trade
On Tuesday, the Bills confirmed the trade, which saw them send a third-round pick to the Browns. In return, Cleveland will receive a seventh-round pick in 2026 and the Bills’ sixth-round pick in 2025. The addition of Cooper, who has had a solid but underwhelming beginning to his season, is a hopeful sign for Buffalo’s offense.
Amari Cooper, 30, has recorded 24 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns in the first six games of the season. However, he is currently averaging just 10.4 yards per catch, which marks the lowest of his career. The Bills are looking to harness his talent to revitalize a passing attack that has seen better days.
Impact on Buffalo’s Offense
Buffalo is currently 4-2 and sitting atop the AFC East, but their passing game has struggled. Quarterback Josh Allen’s average passing yards per game has dropped significantly, from 253.3 to 193.3. The team has yet to find a consistent replacement for the production lost with the offseason trade of Stefon Diggs.
Despite having three pass catchers with over 200 receiving yards, none are on track for 1,000 yards this season. Notably, two of the Bills’ top four players in receiving yards are a tight end and a running back, raising concerns about their traditional wide receiver play. Cooper’s arrival could help fill that void and provide Allen with a reliable target.
Cooper’s Contract Situation
Integrating Cooper’s contract into Buffalo’s salary cap situation is manageable, especially since Cleveland has restructured his deal. The Browns are responsible for his signing bonus and any dead cap, meaning the Bills are only obligated to Cooper’s prorated base salary of approximately $800,000 for the remaining weeks of the 2024 season.
Cooper’s contract allows for potential performance incentives that could influence Buffalo’s future financial strategy. He can earn:
- $1 million if named to the first team All-Pro
- $500,000 for second team All-Pro honors
- An additional $1 million if he reaches 1,251 receiving yards this season
This scenario puts Cooper in a position to not only prove his worth this season but also gauge whether he fits into Buffalo’s long-term plans. After the 2024 season, he will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA), allowing the Bills to decide on a future contract based on his performance.
Evaluating Long-term Fit
As the Bills assess Cooper’s contributions, they have the flexibility to choose whether to pursue a new contract. Should Cooper impress on the field, extending his stay in Buffalo could be a priority. Conversely, if he fails to reach expectations, the team will have no future financial obligations beyond this season.
According to Spotrac, Cooper’s estimated market value sits at $22.1 million per year, underscoring his standing as a top-tier wide receiver in the NFL.
Challenges Ahead for the Browns
For Cleveland, this trade comes as part of a larger rebuilding process. The Browns currently hold a disappointing 1-5 record, having lost their last four games. Quarterback Deshaun Watson’s struggles have been significant, as he ranks at the bottom of the league for quarterback rating among those qualifying.
As the season progresses, both teams will be watching how this trade positions them for success. For the Bills, the hope is that Amari Cooper will be the spark needed to ignite their aerial assault.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Bills’ acquisition of Amari Cooper reflects their determination to enhance their offensive capabilities while navigating the complexities of the NFL salary cap. With Cooper’s potential for performance-based incentives and his contract flexibility, the Bills have taken a strategic step that could pay dividends as they seek to build on their current success. The season is still unfolding, and only time will tell if this trade proves to be the boost Buffalo needs as they aim for playoff contention
