BREAKING: Bills sign promising WR from Commanders as Amari Cooper replacement
The Buffalo Bills bolstered their receiving corps by acquiring Amari Cooper in a trade before the NFL deadline, a move that immediately paid off as he scored a touchdown just days later.
While Cooper is expected to play an increasingly significant role in the offense this season, with the Bills aiming for their fifth consecutive division title and the AFC’s No. 1 seed, his long-term future in Buffalo remains uncertain. Cooper is set to become a free agent after this season, and there’s no guarantee he will re-sign with the team.
According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, the Bills might prepare a backup plan by targeting a young wide receiver enjoying a career-best season.
Bills Have More Work in Wide Receiving Corps
In an analysis of roster needs for all 32 NFL teams, Alex Ballentine highlighted Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown as a potential target for the Buffalo Bills. Set to become a free agent after this season, the 25-year-old Brown has posted career highs with 16 catches for 171 yards and one touchdown.
Ballentine noted that while the Bills’ current receiving corps is solid, additional work may be necessary, especially if they fail to re-sign Amari Cooper after trading for him. “The Bills probably don’t want to target the top range of free agency financially,” Ballentine wrote, suggesting Buffalo might explore cost-effective options.
Though Brown’s production isn’t eye-popping, Ballentine proposed that the Bills could sign him based on his upside and see if his game elevates with Josh Allen as his quarterback. “Targeting someone like Dyami Brown would give them a younger free agent who could develop into a better player,” Ballentine added. “A fresh start in Buffalo could unlock his potential.”
Room for Amari Cooper to Grow
The Buffalo Bills remain focused on their Super Bowl aspirations this season, but questions about Amari Cooper’s long-term role linger. In a previous article, Alex Ballentine emphasized the importance of expanding Cooper’s role as the season progresses, given his potential to emerge as a No. 1 receiver on a team that thrives by spreading the ball around.
Ballentine highlighted Cooper’s contributions in the Bills’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs, where he made impactful plays despite limited involvement. “He made his presence felt against the Chiefs with two receptions for 55 yards, but he was only targeted three times,” Ballentine wrote. “Cooper is one of the team’s best downfield separators now. It would be good to see the Bills use him more as the season goes on.”
The Bills may have utilized their bye week to better integrate Cooper into the offense. They now have an opportunity to solidify their position in the AFC East, which they could clinch with a Miami Dolphins loss on Thanksgiving and a win over the San Francisco 49ers on December 1.