Deshaun Watson opens up after losing Amari Cooper in Bills trade
In 2022, the Cleveland Browns traded for wide receiver Amari Cooper. On Tuesday, after two-plus seasons with the Browns, Cooper was traded to the Buffalo Bills.
The Browns received a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange for Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Following the trade, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson opened up about Cooper's departure and how much he and the team will miss him. Watson said, via the team's Thursday press conference:
"The biggest thing is, of course, Coop is my brother. These last three years, we got to know each other, not just on the field, but especially off the field; hanging out in the off season, our families hanging out with each other. He helped me through some tough times that I was dealing with and vice versa.
"So, it’s definitely tough to see a brother and see a teammate that means a lot, not just for myself — but for the locker room — get traded away."
Watson added:
"But you got to trust the organization and what AB (Andrew Berry) and Kevin (Stefanski) and those guys upstairs have planned, and that’s out of my control. But at the same time, we’re definitely going to miss him, and we appreciate everything he brought for this team and this organization.”
Cooper was the Browns' leading receiver the last two seasons. He set a career-high in touchdown receptions in a single season in 2022 (9) and set a career-high in receiving yards in a single season in 2023 (1,250).
Amari Cooper plans on making his debut with the Buffalo Bills this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans
After being traded to the Buffalo Bills, Amari Cooper plans on making his debut with the Bills this week at home. NFL reporter Jordan Schultz broke the news:
"Sources: #Bills WR Amari Cooper is expected to play Sunday vs the #Titans. HC Sean McDermott previously said no decision had been made, but I’m told Cooper plans to make his Buffalo debut at home — in front of Bills’ Mafia."
There hasn't been an announcement yet, but the plan is for Cooper to play. Coming over from a new team less than a week ago, Cooper will likely be held on a limited basis in Sunday's game.
The Bills will need Cooper's help, as they face the Titans secondary, which allows the least amount of passing yards in the NFL. It will be interesting to see how Amari Cooper fares in his first game as a Bill.