The Buffalo Bills made a strategic trade move on Tuesday, acquiring veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a package of draft picks. Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowler, leaves Cleveland in the midst of a rough 1-5 start to the season, as the Browns’ offense has struggled under quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The 30-year-old receiver, who had 24 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns in six games this season, will step in as the Bills’ new top wideout. The trade is the third of Cooper’s career, following earlier moves from the then-Oakland Raiders to the Dallas Cowboys in 2018 and from Dallas to Cleveland in 2022.
Cooper’s transition to Buffalo marks a major shift for the Bills’ receiving corps, which underwent changes during the offseason. Buffalo drafted wide receiver Keon Coleman but lost Gabe Davis to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency and traded their leading target, Stefon Diggs, to the Houston Texans. Despite these changes, the Bills sit atop the AFC East with a 4-2 record, thanks in part to quarterback Josh Allen’s strong play. However, the offense has lacked explosive production in the passing game, ranking 25th in the league with an average of 186.3 passing yards per game.
Amari Cooper’s arrival is expected to bolster the team’s offense, giving Allen a proven playmaker to target. In a statement, Browns general manager Andrew Berry expressed gratitude for Cooper’s contributions over two-plus seasons and wished him success in Buffalo. Meanwhile, Cooper, who had dismissed trade rumors before the deal, posted a cryptic message on social media that read, “Move or rust.”
In exchange for Cooper, the Bills sent a 2025 third-round pick to Cleveland, while also receiving a 2025 sixth-round pick from the Browns. Cleveland also acquired a 2026 seventh-round pick in the deal.
The trade underscores Buffalo’s commitment to strengthening its offensive capabilities as they continue their push for the playoffs. To make room for Cooper, the Bills released wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had just two catches on the season.
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