Amari Cooper’s stint with the Buffalo Bills hasn’t quite lived up to expectations since his October trade from the Cleveland Browns. While his debut showed promise — four catches, 66 yards, and a touchdown — the five-time Pro Bowler’s production tailed off significantly as the season progressed.
The numbers tell a concerning story. Cooper managed just 20 receptions for 297 yards and two touchdowns across eight regular-season games with Buffalo. His postseason performance was even more subdued — six catches for 41 yards in three games, ranking seventh among Bills receivers with a team-low 6.8 yards per catch.
Josh Allen’s tendency to spread the ball around partially explains Cooper’s limited impact. The veteran receiver’s presence did create opportunities for teammates by drawing double coverage.
The Bills got Cooper at a bargain, paying just $806,667 thanks to Cleveland’s restructuring of his $20 million salary into a signing bonus. That discount won’t last — Cooper’s heading into free agency, where he’s likely to command around $15 million annually despite turning 30.
Buffalo’s tight salary cap situation makes re-signing Cooper unlikely. Here are some potential destinations for 2025:
The Pittsburgh Steelers nearly traded for Cooper before Buffalo swooped in. With Mike Williams hitting free agency, they could revisit their interest. Cooper would complement George Pickens nicely, though Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation — with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields becoming free agents — may complicate matters.
New England stands out with over $120 million in projected cap space. While they might prioritize younger options like Tee Higgins or Chris Godwin, Cooper’s precise route-running could help potential rookie QB Drake Maye’s development.
The Los Angeles Chargers present an intriguing fit. They’ve got Ladd McConkey emerging in the slot after an 82-catch, 1,149-yard rookie season, but their outside receiver situation remains uncertain. With $63 million in cap space and Josh Palmer likely departing, Cooper could give Justin Herbert another reliable target.
Green Bay might be a dark horse candidate. The Packers’ receiving corps lacks a true elite option — Jayden Reed led the team with just 857 yards. With Christian Watson sidelined by ACL recovery and Romeo Doubs’ concussion concerns, adding Cooper could provide Jordan Love with much-needed stability.