The 2024 NFL season has been a strange one for wide receiver Amari Cooper. He started as the Cleveland Browns’ No. 1 receiving option but only appeared in six games before being traded to the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo didn’t have a No. 1 outside receiving option coming into 2024, and Cooper was immediately placed in that spot upon his arrival. He started hot with a touchdown in his first game against the Tennessee Titans but only scored one more time the rest of the regular season.
Cooper can’t be happy with his production in a contract year, but he’s just happy to still be playing this season.
Amari Cooper Has ‘Absolutely No Complaints’ Heading Into Championship Weekend
Each player wants to perform his best during a contract year. Better production means a bigger contract, but when the player underperforms, it’s easy for him to lose focus as the season goes on.
Cooper’s contract year is his 10th season and happens to be the worst statistical season of his career. In 14 regular-season games with Cleveland and Buffalo, he had career lows in receptions (44), yards (547), and touchdowns (4).
That’s not ideal for a wide receiver who will be 31 when next season begins, but Cooper is nevertheless happy with his role.
Some fans have wondered about Amari Cooper’s involvement in Bills offense.
Cooper has “absolutely no complaints.”
“Winning is way more important & that's all I truly want. I've had it every other way, & haven't reached the pinnacle of this sport of how I would have liked.” pic.twitter.com/jqjhFNMPWY
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) January 22, 2025
“Yeah, I mean, I’m very satisfied. I’ve never been this far in the playoffs.”
Cooper went on to say, “You know, obviously, every receiver wants to have you know 10, 20 catches a game, but that’s not always how the cookie crumbles. It’s not always the most beneficial thing for the team, force-feeding one guy the ball just for the sake of that.”
Cooper has had the reputation of a consummate professional since he came into the league in 2015, and even in his most challenging season, he’s stuck to it.
“You know, winning is obviously way more important, and there’s many ways to win. We’re getting the job done, so you know, absolutely no complaints from me, and that’s all I truly want. I’ve had it every other way and haven’t reached the pinnacle of this sport of how I would have liked.”
Since being traded to the Bills, Cooper has played in 10 games (including the postseason), totaling 22 receptions for 305 yards and two touchdowns. He was targeted 14 times against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13 but hasn’t surpassed five targets in any other game with Buffalo.
The Bills’ 2024 offensive theme has been “everybody eats,” and that’s held true all season, as 13 different players have a receiving touchdown. It’s tough for one guy to stand out when the team’s philosophy is to get everyone involved.
Despite being brought in to fill the No. 1 receiver role, Cooper has just been a guy in Buffalo. Yet, he’s handled it with the same professionalism and grace he’s had his entire career.
