The Buffalo Bills exploit a weakness on offence by acquiring one of the true superstars at his position, trading for star wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns. This is a very big trade, but it will change the AFC landscape and may push the Bills further into being a virtual lock to win the AFC next season.
Cooper’s acquisition is a calculated gamble to bring the Bills to Super Bowl levels in a league where marquee trades can essentially flip teams’ futures. General manager Brandon Beane said he was confident in the decision to trade Andrew Thomas and pick up Cooper, calling Cooper ‘an elite talent with a proven track record. ‘ That’s exactly the ability they need right now, as we move forward.”
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Amari Cooper has built himself into one of the NFL’s top wide receivers since being droughted fourth overall by Oakland in the 2015 NFL Draft. Cooper is known for his route running, his hands, and his ability to make defenders miss.
At an undermanned Browns team, Cooper was a key cog in the offence, helping the team win crucial games and providing a much-needed star playmaker. His departure means the Cleveland Browns are thought to be trying to start over, creating a 50/50 squad without its star receiver. The Browns will receive multiple draft picks, reports suggest, giving the franchise assets for their future.
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The addition of Cooper changes that, improving the Bills’ receiving core, which has already received some top-tier play from Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis. It is a tantalizing prospect for Bills fans and a terrifying one for opposing defenses of what Josh Allen will look to toss to in Diggs and Cooper.
While his presence is expected to enhance the team’s offensive output, Head Coach Sean McDermott also believes Cooper will add a positive leadership quality to a young receiving group. “There’s no one better to call in my book than Amari,” McDermott said. “His work ethic and his attitude on and off the field are going to encourage our younger players and make our younger players better around him, and that helps our whole team.”
The arrival of Cooper, however, could also allow for the offense to bring more attention to multiple top tier receivers, which frees up more space in the box for running backs and adds to the versatility of the offense.
Fans have been buzzing online with excitement and wondering what tomorrow will bring. Sales of season tickets and team merchandise featuring the new kit numbers featuring Cooper have already spiked.
However, there will be huge pressure on Cooper to translate his ability to play in such events into results, to enable the Bills to reach their ultimate aims, and his record for playing well under pressure and on big stages suggests he’s ready for it.
Heading into the new NFL season, everyone is waiting to see how Amari Cooper fits into the team and if his presence could get the Bills to their first Super Bowl. In a single, bold trade, the Bills have signaled their intention: All in, this is the season we all are.
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Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but one thing remains certain: When Cooper showed up in Buffalo, this has the potential to be an electrifying chapter in Bills history.
FAQs
Q. Why did the Bills decide to acquire Amari Cooper?
A. The Bills aimed to strengthen their receiving corps, adding a proven and talented wide receiver like Amari Cooper to provide another target for quarterback Josh Allen and enhance their offensive capabilities.
Q. What did the Bills give up in the trade for Amari Cooper?
A. Specifics of the trade will differ, but the bargain generally would involve draft picks and perhaps a player or two for Cooper. The exact details of a trade package will be checked in the last reports.
Q. How does Amari Cooper fit into the Bills’ offensive scheme?
A. Although he has road running, speed and hands, Cooper is also an ideal match for the Bills’ pass-heavy offensive scheme. Those skills can play nicely with what receivers have and create more opportunities for the offense.
Q. What impact will this trade have on the Bills’ Super Bowl chances?
A. A receiver like Cooper would be a high caliber edition to the Bills offense, further boosting them in their attempt to respond to a Super Bowl. He can be present in a way that might make more mismatches and make the team more effective.
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Q. How has Amari Cooper performed in previous seasons?
A. Entering the league, Amari Cooper has checked the top performer box from game one, going on to make multiple trips to the Pro Bowl and being a guy who can create big plays. His stats and performance records back up how useful he’s been to the team as a No. 1 wide receiver.