Amari Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, is undeniably a standout performer in the NFL, regardless of the team he represents.
He stands out as one of only four players in NFL history to accumulate over 2,500 receiving yards with three different franchises: the Raiders, Cowboys, and Browns. Alongside him are five-time Pro Bowl receivers Irving Fryar and Harold Jackson, as well as three-time Pro Bowl wideout Anquan Boldin. Additionally, Cooper is one of eight players to have achieved a 1,000-yard receiving season with three separate teams.
The Buffalo Bills are optimistic that Cooper will become the third wide receiver, joining Brandin Cooks and Brandon Marshall, to achieve a 1,000-yard receiving season with four different teams. This follows their trade with the 1-5 Cleveland Browns, where they exchanged a 2025 third-round draft pick and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick for Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick on Tuesday.
This midseason trade is not Cooper’s first time being dealt while the season is underway. In the first six weeks of the 2018 season, he was averaging 46.7 receiving yards per game when the struggling 1-5 Raiders traded him to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a first-round pick in 2019. With the Cowboys, Cooper nearly doubled this average to 80.7 receiving yards per game over his nine appearances, quickly becoming quarterback Dak Prescott’s favorite target. His arrival helped turn Dallas’s season around, elevating their record from 3-5 to 10-6, as they won seven of their last eight games to clinch the NFC East division title, with Cooper performing like a top-10 receiver.
Amari Cooper 2018 season, NFL ranks
* Cooper made his Cowboys debut in Week 9 after the team had a bye in Week 8
How Cooper fits with the 2024 Bills
This season marked the lowest point of Cooper’s 10-year career while playing for the 2024 Cleveland Browns, where he caught passes from the struggling Deshaun Watson. Averaging 41.7 receiving yards per game thus far is a career low for Cooper, but it’s important to note that much of this situation is due to Watson’s own struggles, as he has failed to surpass 200 passing yards in each of his first six starts.
Cooper’s performance on the field indicates he’s still capable of impact plays: according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, his average of 2.7 yards of separation is the highest since his initial year with Prescott in 2018. Although he recorded six drops—ranking him second in the NFL—Cooper leads the league with 473 air yards on incomplete targets this season, which shows that he has been consistently getting open, but Watson has been unable to connect with him.
In Buffalo, Cooper is well-positioned to fill the WR1 vacancy left by Stefon Diggs’ offseason move to the Houston Texans. His air yards accounted for the fifth-highest share of team air yards (46.9%) during the first six weeks of the 2024 season, a stark contrast to the Bills being the only team in the league without a receiver exceeding 26% of that share, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. Mack Hollins led the Bills with a mere 21.4% share of air yards entering Week 7. Notably, Cooper has more career receiving touchdowns (62) than the entire Buffalo receiving corps combined (61). His offensive contributions should either match or exceed Diggs’ recent production over the past three seasons, particularly due to Cooper’s superior yards per reception average.
Amari Cooper vs. Stefon Diggs since 2022
* Joined Cleveland Browns via trade in 2022
Notably, Cooper became the first player in Browns history to achieve over 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons in 2022 and 2023, despite catching passes from Watson, Jacoby Brissett, Joe Flacco in decline, P.J. Walker, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Jeff Driskel. He has demonstrated that he can be an immediate impact player even when joining a new team midseason, as seen during his time with the Cowboys in 2018. With two-time Pro Bowler Josh Allen as his quarterback, Cooper is anticipated to quickly find success on the field in Buffalo.
Amari Cooper’s Midseason Move to the Bills: A New Chapter for the Pro Bowl Receiver
Overview of Amari Cooper’s Career
Amari Cooper, a talented wide receiver known for his exceptional route-running and playmaking abilities, has made significant strides in the NFL since being drafted fourth overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2015. After several productive seasons, including multiple Pro Bowl selections, Cooper took his talents to the Dallas Cowboys in 2018. His midseason move to the Buffalo Bills in 2023 marks a pivotal moment in his career, signaling new opportunities and challenges.
Why the Trade Happened
The 2023 NFL season brought a mix of ups and downs for the Dallas Cowboys, leading to the decision to trade Cooper to the Buffalo Bills. Here are some reasons behind the trade:
- Cap Space Considerations: The Cowboys were looking to free up cap space, allowing them to make other roster adjustments.
- Buffalo’s Need for Depth: The Bills recognized a need for more offensive weapons to complement their star quarterback, Josh Allen.
- Cooper’s Performance: Despite his great talent, Cooper’s performance had been inconsistent, prompting Dallas to seek a fresh start.
The Impact on the Buffalo Bills Offense
Amari Cooper’s arrival in Buffalo is expected to have a significant impact on the team’s offensive dynamics. Here’s how Cooper fits into the Bills’ system:
Providing a Reliable Target
With Cooper’s skill set, he brings a new level of reliability to the Bills’ passing game. His ability to create separation and catch contested passes will benefit Josh Allen immensely.
Enhancing the Deep Ball Threat
Cooper’s speed and route-running prowess make him a perfect candidate for deep routes. This will stretch opposing defenses and open up the field for other receivers.
Playing Alongside Stefon Diggs
The presence of Cooper allows Stefon Diggs to operate more freely. The duo can create mismatches that defensive coordinators will struggle to contain.
Benefits of Cooper’s Arrival for the Bills
Amari Cooper’s trade to the Buffalo Bills brings numerous benefits that could enhance the team’s overall performance:
- Veteran Leadership: Cooper brings experience and maturity to the young receiving corps.
- Increased Competition: His presence encourages other receivers to elevate their game, promoting a more competitive environment.
- Improved Red Zone Efficiency: Cooper’s ability to make tough catches in the red zone will be crucial for improving the Bills’ scoring efficiency.
Statistics: Cooper’s Career Achievements
To understand the significance of Cooper’s career, let’s take a look at some of his key statistics:
| Year | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns</th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Oakland Raiders | 72 | 1,070 | 6 |
| 2016 | Oakland Raiders | 83 | 1,153 | 5 |
| 2018 | Dallas Cowboys | 75 | 1,189 | 8 |
| 2021 | Dallas Cowboys | 68 | 865 | 8 |
Potential Challenges for Cooper in Buffalo
Despite the excitement surrounding his move, Amari Cooper may face some challenges as he transitions to the Buffalo Bills:
Building Chemistry with Josh Allen
One of the key challenges for any receiver joining a new team is developing chemistry with the quarterback. Cooper will need to invest time to establish rapport with Josh Allen to maximize their effectiveness on the field.
Adapting to a New Offensive System
Every team has its own playbook and system, which may require Cooper to adapt his game. This transition can take time, particularly if he needs to learn new routes and schemes.
Overcoming Inconsistency
Although Cooper has proven to be a game-changer at times, he has also struggled with consistency in recent seasons. Maintaining a high level of performance will be vital for his success in Buffalo.
Case Studies: Successful Receiver Transitions
Historically, many wide receivers have successfully transitioned to new teams midseason. Here are a couple of notable case studies:
DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona Cardinals
In 2020, DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Arizona Cardinals from the Houston Texans. His seamless transition resulted in over 1,400 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection that season.
Odell Beckham Jr. to Los Angeles Rams
Odell Beckham Jr. joined the Rams midseason in 2021. His adaptability helped the Rams secure a Super Bowl ring, showcasing the potential success that can come with midseason trades.
Practical Tips for Cooper’s Transition
For Amari Cooper to thrive in Buffalo, he could consider the following practical tips:
- Engage in Extra Workouts: Spending additional time with Josh Allen outside of practice can help them build chemistry faster.
- Study the Playbook: Dedicating time to understanding the offense can expedite his adaptation to the new system.
- Communicate Openly: Engaging in dialogue with coaches and teammates to clarify roles and expectations will be beneficial.
First-Hand Experience: What Cooper Brings to the Bills
Players who have faced Cooper in the past can provide insight into what he brings to the Bills. Many defenders praise his route-running ability and quickness. Former teammates have noted his leadership skills and work ethic, emphasizing how these qualities positively affect team dynamics.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cooper and the Bills
The future looks promising for Amari Cooper and the Buffalo Bills. With the right mindset and commitment to his new role, Cooper can help elevate the Bills as they strive for postseason success.
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how Cooper adapts and impacts the team. The Bills’ playoff aspirations hinge significantly on how well their new Pro Bowl receiver integrates into their high-octane offense.
