Just hours after their tight win on “Monday Night Football,” the Buffalo Bills made a key move to bolster their struggling passing offense by acquiring veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns. The Bills, seeking to add firepower, traded a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick for Cooper. In return, they also received a 2025 sixth-round pick from Cleveland.
The question now is: What will Cooper bring to the Bills’ offense, how does he fit within the team’s cap situation, and what does this move signal for the Bills moving forward?
### Why the Bills Needed to Act at Wide Receiver
After weeks of inconsistent passing performances, largely due to ineffective wide receiver play, general manager Brandon Beane decided it was time for a change. Opposing defenses had started to adjust their strategies against the Bills, no longer relying on the two-high shell that Buffalo had been accustomed to facing. This shift became evident starting with the Ravens and continued through matchups against the Texans and Jets. Defenses began daring the Bills’ receivers to beat them early in the game, which forced quarterback Josh Allen into more improvisational play.
The Bills were in desperate need of a receiver who could consistently create separation, draw attention from opposing defenses, and be a reliable target for Allen. Cooper fits that bill.
### What Cooper’s 2024 Film Reveals
Though Cooper’s stats through six games haven’t been spectacular—on pace for just 68 receptions and 708 yards, the lowest output in his non-injury seasons—there’s more to the story. His struggles this year can’t be attributed solely to his performance.
The film shows that Cooper is still finding ways to get open at a high rate. The problem has been Cleveland’s ineffective passing game, which has severely limited his opportunities. The quarterback play has been inconsistent, and poor ball placement has turned what could have been big plays into incompletions or even drops. While Cooper has been credited with six drops so far this season, many of them were the result of off-target throws rather than outright mistakes on his part.
Some of Cooper’s frustrations have even been visible on film, as he often gets open only to see the ball sail to a less-open area or miss entirely. Despite this, Cooper has remained composed and professional, though the lack of success has clearly been taxing.
### What Cooper Brings to the Bills
With the Bills, Cooper will have the benefit of a significant quarterback upgrade in Josh Allen. This should improve his production and reduce the drop issues that have plagued him this season. Cooper’s ability to create separation and demand targets will be a huge asset, especially in an offense that’s been searching for consistency at receiver.
Overall, Cooper is set to provide the Bills with the playmaking ability they’ve been missing and could be the key to revitalizing the passing attack as the season progresses.
Cooper is one-on-one against the cornerback as the Giants are showing Cover-1 man coverage pre-snap.
The post-snap reveals the Giants are indeed in man coverage with a safety over the top. Cooper recognizes it and puts a slick move with his right foot on the cornerback to get him leaning one way.
Just a few steps into the route, Cooper already has a yard-plus of separation. The route combinations against man coverage show a potential big play is on the horizon as Cooper drags over the middle.
The cornerback is well behind, and the safety has eyes on both of the receivers to the right of the defensive formation.
Right here is a clear-as-day opportunity. There is a clean pocket, the quarterback is looking over the middle of the field, and Cooper has ample separation, with a run after catch lane for a potentially huge gain if he gets over to the sideline.
The Bills’ quarterback faced pressure, hesitated, and had his throw deflected just as it was released, missing a golden opportunity to connect with Amari Cooper on a crucial third down. This was just one example of several missed chances.
### What Are the Bills Getting with Amari Cooper?
Cooper, a seven-time 1,000-yard receiver, may not be as explosive downfield as he once was, but his refined skill set makes him a valuable asset at 30. His route-running is precise and smooth, with each step purposeful and deceptive, making him difficult for defenders to predict. His ability to make defenders lean one way and then break off in another direction creates separation, especially in zone coverage where defenders can’t trust his early movements. His fluidity often catches defenders off guard, especially when he needs quick separation, turning his gliding pace into a sudden burst.
Cooper also excels in finding soft spots in zone defenses and positioning himself perfectly for his quarterback. Even when the play breaks down, he relocates well, making him a reliable target during scramble drills—something that will benefit Josh Allen. Cooper also has good ball skills, making him effective in contested catches and along the sideline with excellent awareness to keep his feet inbounds.
However, Cooper is not without limitations at this stage of his career. He still has occasional drops, struggles to separate deep like he used to, and isn’t a strong blocker, which might impact play-calling. His ability to create separation against man coverage requires more effort, and his after-the-catch potential has diminished from earlier in his career.
Despite these limitations, the Bills are gaining a potential number-one receiver who can dominate a game with his high football IQ and nuanced route running. Cooper’s ability to win with intelligence and precision will provide Allen with a dependable target for the remainder of the season.
### Cooper’s Fit with the Bills in 2024
Once Cooper is acclimated to the offense, the expectation is that he’ll assume a prominent role, likely taking on the highest snap percentage among the receivers and becoming the go-to option on the perimeter. Although the Bills have used Keon Coleman at the X-receiver spot, Cooper is expected to slide into the Z-receiver role, allowing him to work both the outside and middle of the field.
Buffalo has spent the early part of the season experimenting with different receiver rotations, often leading to key players being off the field in crucial moments. Once Cooper is fully integrated, the Bills will likely settle into more defined roles, similar to past seasons. Cooper, who has played 80-95% of snaps in recent years, could see a similar workload with the Bills.
### Impact on the Receiver Room
Khalil Shakir should maintain his role as the team’s primary slot receiver, playing around 70% of snaps. Keon Coleman will likely continue to see a solid snap count, landing between 65-75%. The biggest change will likely come for Mack Hollins, whose playing time will decrease, positioning him as the primary backup for both the X and Z spots. Curtis Samuel will remain the gadget player, with his role varying by game.
### Salary Cap and Trade Details
From a salary cap perspective, the trade for Cooper is a major win for general manager Brandon Beane. The Bills had just $2.9 million in cap space, but thanks to the Browns converting most of Cooper’s $20 million base salary into a bonus earlier this year, Buffalo is only responsible for paying the prorated amount of his $1.21 million base salary for the rest of the season, adding just under $800,000 to their cap.
The cost of a third-round pick for Cooper is offset by the Bills’ acquisition of a second-round pick from the Stefon Diggs trade, leaving them with a full slate of Day 1 and Day 2 draft picks. While Cooper is technically a rental player, as he’s set to be a free agent after the season, the cap-friendly structure of the deal made it an attractive option for a team in pursuit of a Super Bowl.
### What This Means for the Future
The trade indicates the Bills weren’t entirely satisfied with their receiving corps and sets up interesting possibilities for the 2024 offseason. Shakir and Coleman are both under contract through 2025, while Samuel’s role as a top-three receiver remains uncertain. With Cooper and Hollins hitting free agency, the Bills could consider extending Cooper for another year, allowing them flexibility before diving into the draft or free agency for a longer-term solution.
Ultimately, the Bills’ pursuit of Cooper signals their intention to solidify the receiver position, whether by keeping him around or going after another big-name target in the offseason.
(Top photo: Jason Miller / Getty Images)
