Another blockbuster trade went down in the AFC East on Tuesday.
The Buffalo Bills acquired wide receiver Amari Cooper in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported.
The teams later confirmed the deal, which includes the Bills shipping a 2025 third- and 2026 seventh-round draft pick to Cleveland for Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round selection (from Detroit).
The deal marks the second big trade of the day after the New York Jets acquired Las Vegas wide receiver Davante Adams to reunite the former All-Pro with Aaron Rodgers.
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 Bills released veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling later Tuesday in a related move, per Rapoport. Valdes-Scantling has just two receptions for 26 yards in six games this season.
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.
