As Amari Cooper nears free agency, several teams may look to bring him in. After the Buffalo Bills traded for him following their Week 6 victory over the New York Jets, many were shocked by the move. The Bills had just regained control of the AFC East after a tough stretch, and general manager Brandon Beane was once again trying to improve his roster.
Buffalo sent the Cleveland Browns a 2025 3rd-round pick and a 2026 7th-round pick in exchange for Cooper and a 2025 6th-round pick. While Cooper was expected to be the Bills’ “true number-one receiver,” his time in Buffalo didn’t live up to expectations. He only scored two touchdowns and caught just 20 passes in the regular season after the trade. In the playoffs, Cooper had minimal impact, with only six receptions for 41 yards. Though his mid-season trade and a lingering wrist injury likely hindered his performance, it seems more likely that Cooper won’t return to Buffalo. Fans should prepare for the possibility that he was just a short-term rental.
Teams Likely to Pursue Cooper in Free Agency:
- Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are a wildcard option, but they could be an intriguing landing spot for Cooper. After making progress in 2023, Arizona could offer Cooper a chance to play alongside a recovering Kyler Murray. With only tight end Trey McBride as a legitimate receiving threat last season, Cooper would give the team a much-needed secondary weapon alongside promising rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. His presence would make it harder for defenses to focus solely on Harrison, creating a more balanced offense. - Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are another team that makes a lot of sense for Cooper. With the lack of depth at receiver beyond Ladd McConkey, adding Cooper to a roster that already includes Justin Herbert would significantly enhance the offense. Cooper would help stretch the field and relieve pressure on the run game, making the Chargers’ attack more dynamic. With McConkey emerging as a solid target, Cooper could provide the boost needed for Los Angeles to compete. - Pittsburgh Steelers
Although this pairing seems unlikely, the Steelers could be in the market for a veteran receiver. Despite George Pickens’ talent, he still has room to mature, and Cooper’s steady, professional approach would be a good fit in Pittsburgh. The Steelers may look to add a calming presence to their receiving corps—someone like Cooper, who can still perform at a high level and mentor the younger players. - New England Patriots
The Patriots have been making moves to improve, with the hiring of Mike Vrabel as head coach and the return of Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator. They also have over $100 million in cap space, which could give them the flexibility to sign Cooper to a lucrative deal. With promising rookie quarterback Drake Maye and a strong coaching staff, New England could offer Cooper one last big contract and a chance to be the number-one receiver he’s been seeking.
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