Busy day today on the trade front! Cleveland just sent Amari Cooper to Buffalo in exchange for a third round pick and a late round pick swap.
Lets take a closer look at what this trade means for everyone involved.
Cleveland:
What they are getting:
A 2025 third round pick and a 2026 seventh round pick. Cleveland didn’t offer Cooper an extension in the offseason, they used some accounting tricks to move the money to a signing bonus so that it would become guaranteed. So they won’t see much of a financial gain from this.
What they gave up:
Amari Cooper was their number one receiver. He was Watson’s favorite target, to the point he would force the ball to Cooper even when he was heavily covered. On an offense that is struggling to move the ball, Cleveland just let go of their only playmaker at the wide receiver position.
They also sent a 2025 sixth round draft pick to Buffalo.
Grade: B+
Cooper was likely leaving after this season anyway. Getting some kind of compensation is better than watching him walk. He probably graded out as a fourth round value, so getting the third round pick is good.
Buffalo:
What they are getting:
Amari Cooper instantly becomes the best wide receiver on their roster. Rookie Khalil Shakir is playing well, but having Cooper out there is going to help him develop this year. Josh Allen needed a go to receiver and now they have one. Cooper has a history of dropped balls, and he can be erratic in his production. But that’s also why he was available.
They are also getting a 2025 sixth round pick.
What they gave up:
A 2025 third round pick and a 2026 seventh round pick. This is a steep price for a half season rental on Cooper. It becomes a steal if they can sign him to a contract after the season.
Grade: A-
Cooper is a talented guy and will provide Josh Allen a legitimate number one option. As long as he produces this year and the Bills can get him on a future contract, this looks like a great deal.
Amari Cooper:
What he’s getting:
A winning team. A good quarterback. The chance to challenge for a Super Bowl.
What he gave up:
Cleveland.
Grade: A++
Cooper is the big winner in this deal. He’s getting a stable franchise, a top five quarterback, and the chance to make a real contribution in their pursuit of a division title and Super Bowl run.