The Buffalo Bills made a bold move ahead of last season’s trade deadline by acquiring Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns, hoping he would be a key piece in their Super Bowl push. However, Cooper’s contributions were underwhelming, and he now finds himself a free agent.
There’s speculation that Cooper could end up with a division rival. ESPN’s Matt Bowen identified the New York Jets as a potential landing spot, highlighting the team’s need for another veteran wideout to complement Garrett Wilson and provide a steady presence for new quarterback Justin Fields.
Bowen noted that although Cooper, now 30, may be showing signs of decline, his precise route running and ability to find space on play-action plays could make him a valuable asset. He would also add much-needed depth alongside Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds.
During his short stint in Buffalo, Cooper had flashes of impact but was inconsistent, finishing with just 20 receptions for 297 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. In some matchups, including a win over Detroit, he failed to even receive a target.
Despite his lack of production, Bills GM Brandon Beane said the team is open to a reunion in 2025. However, no negotiations appear to be underway, and insiders like Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News suggest the lack of league-wide interest in Cooper might indicate his best days are behind him.
Skurski emphasized that Cooper, who turns 31 in June, might either be in decline or simply struggled to adjust after joining the Bills midseason. Meanwhile, Buffalo seems to be moving on, having added Elijah Moore in free agency and putting faith in second-year receiver Keon Coleman to take a bigger role after an injury-limited rookie season.
With limited space on the roster and growing youth at the position, a return to Buffalo appears unlikely making a move to a division rival like the Jets a real possibility for the veteran receiver.
