The Buffalo Bills entered the season with an “everybody eats” strategy at wide receiver, distributing the ball among a diverse group of players following the departure of their top two wide receivers last offseason.
This approach proved effective in the first three games but has faltered during a two-game losing streak, raising questions about whether the team might pursue a legitimate No. 1 receiver ahead of the trade deadline.
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports speculates that the Bills could make a significant move, predicting a potential trade for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper. Benjamin suggested that the Browns might even enhance the deal to facilitate the trade.
Browns May Be Ready to Move Amari Cooper
Cooper has had a sluggish start to the 2024 season, recording 20 catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns in the first five games. His current average of 36.2 yards per game would be the lowest of his career if it continues.
Cooper isn’t alone in facing challenges in Cleveland. According to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, the Browns are struggling with one of the league’s least effective passing offenses this season.
“Cleveland ranks 32nd in yards per game, yards per play, passing net yards per play, sacks per pass play, and third-down efficiency; 30th in passing; 29th in first downs per game; and 27th in rushing,” the report highlighted.
With the Browns sitting at 1-4, Benjamin suggested it might be time to offload some assets at the trade deadline, positioning the Bills as potential beneficiaries.
“Perhaps the Browns would cover some of Cooper’s remaining contract to satisfy the seemingly disinterested pass catcher. Josh Allen would undoubtedly approve if it meant acquiring a true No. 1 receiver,” Benjamin noted.
The Bills lost both of their top wide receivers last offseason, trading Stefon Diggs and witnessing Gabe Davis leave in free agency.
Bills Seeking Help at the Trade Deadline
As the trade deadline approaches, the Bills may be eyeing another wide receiver. On October 8, The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, Vic Tafur, and Dianna Russini reported that the Bills were “monitoring the situation” in Las Vegas regarding Davante Adams, who has requested a trade from the Raiders.
While Benjamin indicated that the Bills might secure a deal for Cooper at a discounted rate, the same cannot be said for Adams. The report stated that the Raiders remain firm on their asking price.
“The Raiders have been adamant about wanting a second-round pick and additional compensation for Adams. Although Adams requested a trade on September 30, they are willing to wait for a deal if they are unsatisfied with any offers,” the report explained.
Moreover, the Bills would not receive any salary relief from the Raiders in a trade for Adams.
“The Raiders have been reluctant to offer to pay down Adams’ base salary through a signing bonus to complete a deal,” the report added. “This decision is puzzling, considering they have ample salary-cap flexibility. According to Over the Cap, the Raiders currently possess over $26.9 million in cap space, and in 2025, they are projected to have over $79.7 million in cap space.”
