The Buffalo Bills are aiming for improvements as they eye an 11-3 record when they take on the Detroit Lions this Sunday. One player to watch as the game approaches is Pro Bowl receiver Amari Cooper, who stands just 33 yards shy of reaching the impressive milestone of 10,000 career receiving yards, which would make him only the 57th player ever to achieve this feat and the eighth currently active.
Since joining the Buffalo roster just prior to the trade deadline, Cooper has navigated the challenge of establishing chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen; early on, injuries and lack of connection were apparent. Nevertheless, his recent performance has showcased significant growth, particularly evident last week against the Los Angeles Rams, where he caught six receptions for 95 yards—a season high. Cooper’s resurgence sparked some optimism around the franchise.
“I think it’s a good sign,” coach Sean McDermott noted about the chemistry developing between Cooper and Allen. “There is chemistry there that's been born. Is it complete? Probably not. They would probably tell you it. They're still working through some things as you saw in the game yesterday. I think that'll continue to grow.”
One of the intricacies surrounding Cooper's situation is the return of rookie receiver Keon Coleman, possibly impacting Cooper's target share as the season progresses. Last week, Cooper benefitted from Coleman’s absence, resulting in increased opportunities with 14 passes thrown his way during the game against the Rams.
To date, Cooper has made 40 catches amounting to 481 yards and three touchdowns this season, featuring statistics accrued partly during his tenure with the Cleveland Browns. At 30 years old, Cooper remains objectively one of the NFL’s elite receivers, with the capacity to perform at the top level even as he navigates the final year of his contract.
Interesting trade discussions have already surfaced surrounding Cooper, especially with mentions of the New England Patriots as potential suitors for his talents. Nick Goss from NBC Sports Boston highlighted the possibility by noting, “Cooper is more than capable of turning things on down the stretch of the season. He is still one of the best wide receivers in the NFL from a talent perspective.” Such discussions raise concerns for Bills fans as competing teams might seize the opportunity to lure him away.
For now, though, Buffalo must focus on retaining Cooper's services beyond this season, as losing him, particularly to a rival like the Patriots, could significantly undermine the effectiveness of their offense. It’s imperative for the Bills to augment the talent surrounding Allen, positioning themselves with elite players such as Cooper to maximize offensive productivity.
Cooper's contributions can’t be understated. Following his acquisition, expectations were set high, and his recent performance has ignited conversations about his future. Should the Bills management decide to keep him, what might his new contract look like? That’s the big question this offseason. His age may play on management’s mind, considering he will turn 31 before the start of the 2025 NFL season, creating potential dilemmas over the length and value of any new deal.
Particularly, CBS Sports considers him one of the top free agents available next year, placing him eighth on their list of the 25 most sought-after players. This indicates not just interest from the Bills to retain him, but also recognition of his importance across the league.
There is much at stake moving forward as Cooper gears up to make the last few games of the season count toward both his performance goals and his future contract discussions. The recent rush of offensive successes may only solidify the case for making Cooper a long-term fixture in the Bills’ plans.
This narrative will play out rapidly as the Bills approach the postseason. With Cooper's performance potentially determining Buffalo's offensive strategy, it remains to be seen how many more times he’ll be targeting the end zones to pad his stats—and how the Bills will keep him from becoming another team’s key acquisition next offseason.
Each game he plays matters more than ever—not just for the Bills' immediate goals but for his future, as well. Will the Bills secure Cooper's talents for the coming years, or will rival teams scoop him up? The coming weeks should reveal much about Amari Cooper’s role with the Buffalo Bills, amid playoff aspirations and personal milestones.
