On Tuesday, the AFC East saw another historic exchange.
According to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Buffalo Bills traded wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns.
The agreement, which the teams later confirmed, entails the Bills sending Cleveland a 2025 third- and 2026 seventh-round draft pick in exchange for Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
After the New York Jets signed Las Vegas wide receiver Davante Adams to bring the former All-Pro back together with Aaron Rodgers, the deal is the second major trade of the day.
Cooper was mentioned in trade speculations as early as the offseason, when the Browns and San Francisco were negotiating a possible trade for Brandon Aiyuk. Despite the cancellation of the trade, Cooper's name continued to be mentioned in trade rumors. Therefore, following a 1–5 start, the Browns would be willing to let go of the experienced receiver in the summer.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Browns general manager Andrew Berry said, "We appreciate Amari's hard work, professionalism, and on-field contributions throughout his two plus seasons with us." "He was a key member of our 2023 playoff squad and helped us create a lot of special memories. As he pursues his NFL career in Buffalo, we wish him the best.
Tuesday's deal marks a turning point for the Browns, even though the Aiyuk trade would have given Cleveland a young, gifted receiver in exchange. The WR1 position is occupied by Jerry Jeudy, who Clevland obtained in a trade with Denver this offseason. Going forward, the offense will probably rely even more on tight ends David Njoku and Jordan Akins, while Elijah Moore's role will probably be expanded.
With 250 yards on 24 catches and two scores this season, Cooper—who has now been traded three times in his career—hasn't looked at ease. Since the Browns' passing operation as a whole has had trouble getting off the ground this season, the top-flight target has had a ton of miscommunications with quarterback Deshaun Watson.
For Cooper, relocating to Buffalo, up Lake Erie, would be a welcome change.
At his best, the five-time Pro Bowler can stretch the field, go open off the line of scrimmage, and make huge catches, making him a genuine No. 1 target for Josh Allen. With Khalil Shakir operating from the slot and rookie Keon Coleman not having to be an every-down workhorse, Cooper's presence should allow the other wideouts to take on better responsibilities.
In a related move later Tuesday, the Bills cut veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling, according to Rapoport. In six games this season, Valdes-Scantling has only caught two passes for 26 yards.
The Bills will only pay $806.667 in compensation on the trade because the Browns converted $18.79 million of Cooper's $20 million contract into a signing bonus back in March.
Buffalo's goal going into the season was to experiment with receivers to see what worked. General Manager Brandon Bean received a possible game-changer after six weeks of surviving without a go-to target.
Adams was acquired by the 2-4 Jets after Monday night's game in an attempt to regain their position in the AFC East battle. Cooper was Buffalo's response. Actions and retaliation.
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