The Buffalo Bills aren’t completely shutting the door on a reunion with veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Despite a lackluster stint in Buffalo last season, general manager Brandon Beane acknowledged that a return is still possible-at the right price.
Could Amari Cooper return to Buffalo?
Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowler, joined the Bills at the 2024 trade deadline in hopes of bolstering their passing attack.
However, in eight regular-season and three playoff games, he recorded just 26 receptions for 338 yards and two touchdowns.
Combined with his early-season production in Cleveland, Cooper posted career lows across the board.
Now, at 31 years old and still unsigned in free agency, his future in the league remains uncertain.
Beane didn’t dismiss the idea of bringing Cooper back but emphasized that wide receiver isn’t necessarily a major priority for Buffalo right now.
“I don’t think we have a glaring need at receiver,” Beane said.
“But I’m always looking for more competition.”
He added that while Cooper didn’t put up huge numbers, he still contributed to the offense’s overall success.
“I do think Amari helped our offense,”Beane explained.
“Did he put up All-Pro numbers in the games he was here? No. I think that’s for various reasons. Again, our offense improved. We averaged over 30 points. I think we were second in the league in total scoring. And you guys kind of know the mantra that was established this year by Josh [Allen] and Joe Brady of ‘everybody eats.'”
While the Bills remain open to a reunion, it’s clear they wouldn’t make a significant financial commitment to Cooper.
His struggles with injuries, missing time due to wrist and back issues, only add to the uncertainty surrounding his next move.
However, if he remains unsigned, Buffalo could revisit the idea of bringing him back on a team-friendly deal.
For his part, quarterback Josh Allen has nothing but praise for Cooper, calling him a consummate professional and a great teammate.
“I’ve got nothing but love and respect for Amari Cooper,”Allen said after Buffalo’s AFC Championship loss.
“I will never in my life say a bad thing about him. For him to come into this situation and understand the role that he was brought here to do, he is a true football player, a true teammate, and I’m just honored to share the field with him.”
Though Cooper isn’t the same player who once dominated as a No. 1 receiver, he has shown he can still contribute when healthy.
If the Bills believe he can be a valuable piece of their offense without a significant investment, the possibility of a second stint in Buffalo remains on the table.
Read the full article here
