The Buffalo Bills entered the 2024 season with a “next-man-up” mentality at wide receiver, leaning on a diverse group of pass catchers after the offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. This balanced, “everybody eats” approach worked through the first few weeks but has hit a snag during the team’s two-game losing streak. Now, speculation is swirling about whether the Bills might seek a top-tier wide receiver before the trade deadline.
According to Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, the Bills could be eyeing a major move for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper. Benjamin believes that the struggling Browns might be willing to part with their veteran receiver and even suggested they could sweeten the deal by absorbing part of his remaining contract.
Could Cooper Be on the Move?
Amari Cooper has had a quiet start to the 2024 season, recording 20 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns through five games. His 36.2 yards-per-game average would be the lowest of his career if it continues. The Browns, who have stumbled to a 1-4 record, have also been woeful in the passing game, currently ranked last in the league in several key categories, including passing yards and third-down efficiency.
Given these struggles, Benjamin speculates that Cleveland could look to trade Cooper at the deadline, potentially giving the Bills a chance to upgrade their receiving corps. With Josh Allen in need of a reliable target, Cooper could provide a much-needed boost.
Benjamin noted that the Bills could benefit if the Browns are willing to cover part of Cooper’s salary to facilitate a trade: “Maybe the Browns would eat some of Cooper’s remaining contract to appease the seemingly disinterested pass catcher. Josh Allen would surely sign off if it meant getting a bona fide No. 1 out wide.”
Bills Weighing Their Options
While the Bills could strike a deal for Cooper, they may have other options on the table. The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, Vic Tafur, and Dianna Russini reported that Buffalo is “monitoring the situation” in Las Vegas as star wideout Davante Adams has requested a trade from the Raiders. However, landing Adams could prove more challenging.
Unlike Cooper, Adams would come at a hefty price. The Raiders have reportedly set a high bar, demanding a second-round pick and additional compensation in any potential trade for their top receiver. Additionally, the Raiders have shown no interest in offering salary relief to make a deal more palatable, despite having significant cap space available.
Though Bills fans may dream of Adams lining up in Buffalo blue, the reality of a trade could be far more complicated. The Raiders are playing the long game, willing to wait for the right offer.
"How could you even consider the other teams if the Bills reached out to you?"
— @ColinCowherd makes the case for Davante Adams in Buffalo pic.twitter.com/PIvzKfpsk7
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) October 10, 2024
What’s Next for the Bills?
As the trade deadline approaches, Buffalo faces a pivotal decision. With their “by committee” approach at wide receiver faltering in recent weeks, the pressure is on to find a new No. 1 target for Josh Allen. Whether that comes in the form of Amari Cooper, Davante Adams, or another veteran remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: if the Bills want to avoid a second-half slide and keep pace in a competitive AFC, they’ll need to make a move soon.
