Veteran receiver Amari Cooper joined the Bills via trade this season, adding some needed pro talent to a position where the team was looking to replace productivity after losing their top targets in the offseason.
Yet he was the least-used target in their final games, raising questions about his productivity.
Cooper came to Buffalo in a deal with the Browns, making some big plays and contributions in some games while seemingly mostly commanding coverage in others.
“I think he did a great job of learning our offense in fairness to him in due time,” GM Brandon Beane said to the media about Cooper. “He suffered the wrist injury, obviously, banged his back and missed some games but fought through it.”
Injuries to the Bills’ pass catchers were a factor that impacted the passing game late in the season, as was some questionable play-calling as Joe Brady is still developing in his second professional run as an offensive coordinator.
“You guys kind of know the mantra that was established this year by Josh and Joe Brady of everybody eats,” Beane added. “Adding him was not going to get away from that, but does that take a little pressure off of Shakir, Knox, Kincaid, the run game, all that? So I do not regret the move. I think it did help us. I think it did help us despite what his personal numbers were.”
In terms of snaps, Cooper was the least-used receiver in the games he played for Buffalo.
While an injury certainly was a factor, so was the learning curve.
“You’re talking about a player who’s never been in this offensive system,” Beane continued. “He’s got to learn the playbook, he’s never thrown with Josh Allen. You have to acclimate with your team, learn an offense. The games keep going and so I think he did a great job of learning our offense in fairness to him in due time. He suffered the wrist injury, obviously, banged his back, and missed some games but fought through it. Honestly, his wrist could have required surgery and I feel sure that at least one of the doctors recommended it, but he wanted to keep playing.”
Bills QB Josh Allen voiced his support as well.
“I’ve got nothing but love and respect for Amari Cooper,” Allen said. “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.”
When asked if he wanted to return to the Bills as he now is a free agent, Cooper said, “I mean, just to give it another run, have another opportunity at doing what we just did. But, you know, obviously finishing, so yeah. Been through a lot this year – injuries, trades, and things of that nature. Just keep going and never stop until you know it’s time to stop.”
