Amari Cooper has been through this before. A new NFL team, a new town, and a new offense to learn — this time in Buffalo. The Bills acquired Cooper from the struggling Cleveland Browns this week, and for the veteran wide receiver, it's another chance to hit the reset button.
"Yeah, it does 100 percent," Cooper told reporters of the trade to the 4-2 Bills. "A fresh beginning, a new start, a blank canvas that you get to control your destiny, you know?" It's the kind of opportunity that can re-energize a player, especially when you go from a 1-5 team to a legitimate contender.
Cooper's been here before. He's caught passes from Derek Carr, Dak Prescott, Jacoby Brissett, Deshaun Watson, and Joe Flacco. Now, he's ready to team up with Josh Allen, a quarterback Cooper clearly admires.
"As far as the way [Allen] plays, I mean, it's phenomenal," Cooper said. "He plays with a lot of grit, a lot of hustle. Just to be able to play with him, I think it's going to be real cool."
Buffalo's passing attack has struggled, currently ranked 25th in the league. With Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis not quite matching last year's production, Cooper's arrival comes at the right time. Even in a down year, his 24 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns are more than any Bills receiver has right now.
As for Sunday, Cooper is still learning the playbook and adjusting to his new surroundings.
"I don't really have an expectation right now," he said, "but whatever opportunities I get, I'm going to take full advantage of them."
For the Bills, Cooper's fresh start might just be the spark they need.
