The Buffalo Bills had an impressive season, though it ended in a defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. Despite this, many outside the Buffalo area (716) doubted the team, predicting a decline as the Miami Dolphins or New York Jets took over the AFC East.
However, the Bills defied expectations, winning 13 games and setting a franchise record for points in a season. They did face an early setback, losing back-to-back games to the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans in Weeks 4 and 5. They snapped the losing streak with a victory over the Jets on Monday Night Football, after which they traded for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper, adding a legitimate deep threat to their offense.
Though Cooper’s time with the Bills wasn’t flashy—catching just 20 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns—his mere presence opened up opportunities for players like Khalil Shakir. Still, Zack Cook from SportsGrid predicts that the New England Patriots could acquire Cooper this offseason.
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“Amari Cooper’s time with the Bills may not have been marked by eye-popping stats, but he remains a dangerous receiver,” Cook states. “Cooper’s willingness to block and play selflessly should make him highly appealing in free agency, especially for teams looking for a player who can contribute while prioritizing the team.”
Losing Cooper would create a significant gap for the Bills, especially if a division rival, like the Patriots, snags the five-time Pro Bowler. If that happens, Keon Coleman would need to step up, and Buffalo would likely need to make a move in the market to fill the void.
