The Buffalo Bills have reportedly been linked to a potential trade for five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper, following their second consecutive loss.
Speculation has grown since the Bills’ heartbreaking 23-20 defeat against the Houston Texans on Sunday, with many wondering if Buffalo might make a move to bolster its offense.
Despite staging a strong second-half rally to tie the game at 20-20, the Bills fell short when Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn nailed a 59-yard field goal as time expired.
Of course, that kick was made possible in large part to head coach Sean McDermott’s horrific management at the end of regulation.
After starting the season 3-0 and averaging over 37 points per game, the Bills’ offense has slowed significantly, scoring only 30 points combined in their last two outings.
Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department floated the idea of a trade for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper as a possible solution to Buffalo’s offensive woes.
“If the Bills are going to win in January and February, it would help to have one more weapon for Josh Allen,” the report stated. “A receiving trio of Amari Cooper, (Keon) Coleman, and (Khalil) Shakir could do the trick.”
Cooper, a reliable veteran, has recorded 20 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns so far this season.
His name has emerged as a trade candidate due to Cleveland’s underwhelming performance and Cooper’s lack of chemistry with Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The Browns are the biggest dumpster-fire in the NFL for obvious reasons (Watson). Assuming things stay the same, Cleveland may look to unload their top talent, including Cooper.
According to Bleacher Report, Cooper could be a more realistic trade target for the Bills compared to Raiders star Davante Adams, who has also expressed frustration and a desire for a trade.
Adams’ enormous contract and status as a three-time All-Pro would make acquiring him a much more complex and expensive endeavor.
“The Browns don’t look like they are ready to compete this season, and Cooper has little chemistry with Deshaun Watson,” Bleacher Report added. “Trading for Cooper would be much easier financially than taking a swing on Davante Adams.”
Cooper’s contract restructuring earlier this year further increases his trade appeal.
The Browns converted most of his 2024 salary into a signing bonus, lowering his cap hit to just $941,111, and by the trade deadline, that figure will drop to $605,000 – making him a cost-effective option for teams looking to make a playoff push.
Josh Allen and the Bills have been knocking at the door for years now. While the loss to Houston was brutal, there is real reason to believe that this could be the season the Bills finally get over the hump.
Would adding Cooper be the final piece to Buffalo’s Super Bowl puzzle???