In a surprising move that could reshape the AFC East, the Cleveland Browns have traded five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills. The deal, confirmed by multiple sources on Tuesday, sends Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round draft pick to Buffalo in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-rounder.
The trade comes as the Browns struggle through a disappointing 1-5 start to the season, with quarterback Deshaun Watson failing to live up to his massive $230 million guaranteed contract. Cooper, who signed with Cleveland in 2022, has posted modest numbers this year, with 24 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns through six games.
For the Bills, currently sitting atop the AFC East at 4-2, acquiring Cooper fills a glaring need at the wide receiver position. The team traded away star wideout Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans before the season, leaving quarterback Josh Allen without a true No. 1 target. Cooper, with 9,736 career receiving yards and 62 touchdowns, brings a proven track record of production to the Bills’ offense.
“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. “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.”
Cooper’s arrival in Buffalo comes just hours after the division-rival New York Jets made a splash by trading for Las Vegas Raiders star receiver Davante Adams. The two moves signal a potential arms race in the AFC East as teams jockey for position in the highly competitive conference.
From a financial perspective, the Browns’ decision to move on from Cooper was likely influenced by the team’s recent contract restructuring. Cleveland converted the majority of Cooper’s $20 million base salary into a signing bonus, making him a more attractive trade candidate.
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For the Bills, the addition of Cooper carries significant implications both on and off the field. The team has struggled to find consistent production from its wide receiver corps this season, ranking 25th or worse in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and receiving first downs. Cooper’s presence should provide an immediate boost to those numbers and help elevate the play of quarterback Josh Allen.
The trade also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the Bills’ roster-building strategy. While the acquisition of a proven talent like Cooper undoubtedly improves the team’s chances of competing for a Super Bowl in the short term, it comes at the cost of valuable draft capital that could be used to develop younger, more cost-effective players.
As the NFL trade deadline approaches on November 5th, the Cooper deal serves as a reminder of the high-stakes nature of player movement in the league. For the Browns, it represents a chance to recoup some value for a struggling asset and potentially reposition the team for future success. For the Bills, it’s a calculated gamble aimed at maximizing the championship window of a talented roster.
Only time will tell if the trade pays off for either side, but one thing is certain: the AFC East just got a whole lot more interesting.
