The timing of the Cleveland Browns’ trade, sending Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills for a third-round pick before the deadline, is proving to be a savvy move. Although Cooper is known for his offensive skills, his performance in Buffalo has fallen short of expectations. After a strong first game, Cooper’s production declined in the second, and a wrist injury kept him out of his third game, reducing his impact on Buffalo’s offense. So far, he has played in only two games, totaling five receptions from seven targets for 69 yards and a single touchdown. He also inadvertently contributed to Josh Allen’s first interception of the season against the Seattle Seahawks.
For the Browns, the trade stands out compared to other wide receiver deals made near the deadline. Cleveland’s third-round return for Cooper surpasses other trades involving veteran receivers like Mike Williams, Diontae Johnson, and DeAndre Hopkins, each of whom was moved for fifth-round picks. Only Davante Adams, traded to the New York Jets for a conditional third-rounder, matched the value Cleveland received for Cooper.
As the Browns enter the second half of the season, they’re bolstered by this added draft capital, setting themselves up well for future roster improvements. In a market where trades for veteran receivers yielded mixed returns, Cleveland appears to have navigated effectively, securing valuable assets while moving on from a player who has yet to make a consistent impact for the Bills.