The Buffalo Bills made headlines last season when they made a bold move before the trade deadline, acquiring wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. The move raised eyebrows and sparked a lot of discussions among fans and analysts alike. Many questioned the trade, wondering if it was a wise decision for the Bills. However, now that the dust has settled, it’s clear that the Bills made a shrewd move and Cooper’s performance on the field proved to be a valuable asset for the team.
Cooper, who had spent the majority of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, joined the Bills mid-season and quickly made a significant impact. In his eight games with the Bills, he recorded 297 receiving yards and two touchdowns, proving to be a reliable target for quarterback Josh Allen. While these stats may not seem impressive at first glance, it’s important to note that Cooper was still adjusting to a new team, system, and quarterback. With a full offseason to prepare with the team, there’s no doubt that Cooper will be even more productive in the upcoming season.
The Bills’ decision to trade for Cooper was a calculated risk, but one that paid off. Cooper is a proven playmaker with a track record of success in the NFL. In his first four seasons with the Cowboys, he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards each year, becoming one of the league’s top wide receivers. His speed, route-running ability, and hands make him a dangerous weapon on the field, and the Bills recognized this when they made the trade.
One of the main reasons the Bills made the move was to provide Allen with a reliable target to throw to. In his first two seasons in the NFL, Allen struggled with consistency, in part due to the lack of options in the receiving corps. Cooper’s presence immediately improved the Bills’ passing game and gave Allen a reliable target to rely on. This was evident in the team’s playoff run, where Cooper recorded 62 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Wild Card game against the Houston Texans.
Cooper’s impact went beyond just his on-field performance. He also brought a veteran presence to a young Bills team. At just 26 years old, Cooper has already established himself as a leader in the league. His experience and knowledge of the game were valuable assets to the Bills’ young receivers, who were able to learn from him and improve their own skills.
While the Bills’ decision to trade for Cooper was met with skepticism by some, it’s clear that it was a necessary move for the team. With the 2020 season just around the corner, many are wondering if the Bills will try to sign Cooper to a long-term deal. And according to one former Bills playmaker, that’s exactly what they should do.
Former Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who was traded to the Buffalo Bills this offseason, recently urged Cooper to sign a long-term deal with the team. Diggs, who knows firsthand the impact Cooper can have on a team, believes that he would be a great fit for the Bills and could help them take their offense to the next level. And he’s not wrong.
The Bills are a team on the rise, and they have all the pieces in place to become a legitimate Super Bowl contender. They have a young, talented quarterback in Allen, a strong running game led by Devin Singletary, and a solid defense. All they need is a reliable receiver to complete their offense, and Cooper fits that role perfectly.
In the end, the Bills’ trade for Cooper was a smart and calculated move that paid off for the team. His presence on the field and in the locker room has already had a positive impact, and with a full season ahead of him, there’s no doubt that Cooper will continue to make big plays for the Bills. As the team looks to take the next step and compete for a Super Bowl, signing Cooper to a long-term deal would be a wise decision and a key factor in their success.