Bills Could Second-Guess Midseason WR Release After Breakout Elsewhere, Report Suggests
Last season, the Buffalo Bills made a bold move on offense, opting for a more balanced passing strategy after moving on from their top two wideouts. While the “spread-the-ball” approach proved effective overall, a recent report indicates they may have miscalculated by letting go of a veteran receiver who has since flourished with a new team.
A Rare Misstep in Buffalo’s Roster Management
Under GM Brandon Beane, the Bills have typically excelled at managing personnel, rarely making regrettable moves. However, the midseason decision to cut a veteran wide receiver could be an exception. Despite limited usage in Buffalo—recording just two catches for 26 yards over six games—the wideout found a new opportunity and thrived after being released in October to make space for another acquisition.
After signing with New Orleans, he hauled in 17 receptions for 385 yards and four touchdowns in just eight games. Now with the Seattle Seahawks, he’s reportedly poised for a significant role in their offense. Cameron Van Til of Seattle Sports referred to him as a “virtual lock” for the final roster, with new offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak expected to heavily use three-receiver sets, an approach that could showcase his strengths.
Analyst Bryan Walters noted the offensive shift in Seattle:
“Kubiak’s offense leans more on double tight ends and the run game, with fewer four- or five-wideout formations—but he’ll still use receivers strategically, similar to what Buffalo aimed to do last season.”
Buffalo’s Replacement Option Fell Short
Meanwhile, the player who effectively replaced the departed wide receiver struggled to make consistent impact in Buffalo. Though he had moments of success, his performance was inconsistent, including a game with no targets at all.
Buffalo chose not to re-sign him after his contract expired. According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, he remains one of the top free agents on the market, despite some signs of decline in his play.
“Cooper’s film is beginning to show a drop-off, but he remains a sharp route runner who can get open at various levels,” Bowen wrote.
In 14 games split between two teams last season, the veteran totaled 44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns. Over his nine-year career, he’s surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in seven seasons and has 64 touchdowns to his name. Although GM Beane has expressed interest in a possible reunion, no new deal has materialized with training camp approaching.
While Buffalo’s offense remained productive in 2024, the emergence of their former receiver elsewhere may leave fans and decision-makers alike wondering what could have been.
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