Bills Trade For Browns WR Amari Cooper In Blockbuster Deal
In a blockbuster trade that shook the NFL, the Buffalo Bills have acquired star wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick.
Bills Get Much-Needed Pass-Catching Threat
The Bills have long been searching for a consistent pass-catching threat to complement Stefon Diggs. Cooper, a four-time Pro Bowler, provides that and then some. The 6'1", 210-pound receiver is a physical presence who excels at high-pointing the ball and making contested catches.
In 2022, Cooper caught 78 passes for 1,160 yards and nine touchdowns with the Browns. He has consistently produced throughout his career, averaging 1,138 receiving yards per season since 2019.
Diggs-Cooper Duo Could Be Elite
The addition of Cooper gives the Bills one of the most explosive wide receiver duos in the NFL. Diggs and Cooper are both top-tier receivers who can stretch the field vertically and create space for each other.
With Cooper drawing attention deep, Diggs will have more room to operate in the intermediate and short passing game. Conversely, Cooper's presence will give Josh Allen another reliable target on deep shots.
Browns Retooling With Draft Capital
The Browns, meanwhile, receive a first-round pick in the blockbuster deal. This pick gives them valuable draft capital to address other roster needs.
The Browns had previously traded for Cooper in March 2022, sending a fifth-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys. With Jarvis Landry now in New Orleans, Cooper was expected to be a key part of the Browns' offense in 2023.
What Does This Mean for Deshaun Watson?
The Browns' decision to trade Cooper could be a sign that they are not fully confident in Deshaun Watson's ability to lead the offense. Watson missed the entire 2022 season due to a suspension and is currently facing 30 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and misconduct.
The Browns are likely hoping that a young receiver will develop into a reliable option for Watson in the coming years. They also have a solid running back in Nick Chubb and a talented tight end in David Njoku.
Key Points Summary
| Team | Action | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills | Acquired Amari Cooper | 2023 first-round pick, 2024 fourth-round pick |
| Cleveland Browns | Traded Amari Cooper | 2023 first-round pick |
Looking Ahead
The Bills are now considered Super Bowl contenders with the addition of Cooper. They have a dynamic offense led by Allen, Diggs, Cooper, and a strong running game. The defense, which was already one of the league's best, should benefit from having more time to make plays now that the offense can sustain drives.
The Browns, on the other hand, have a lot of questions to answer. They need to find a reliable wide receiver to replace Cooper and they still have the Watson situation hanging over their heads.
The Bills Trade For Browns WR Amari Cooper In Blockbuster Deal has the potential to be one of the most impactful trades of the 2023 season. Only time will tell how it will ultimately affect both teams.