Amari Cooper offered a brief but telling reaction to his trade on Tuesday via his Instagram Story, sparking plenty of interest from fans and analysts alike. The veteran wide receiver posted just three words in response to the news of his move: “Move or rust.”
The Buffalo Bills made headlines by acquiring Cooper in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, sending a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
While Cooper’s Instagram post was short, it seemed to hint at his feelings about the trade and his time in Cleveland.
“Move or rust” could be interpreted as Cooper implying that his career was stagnating with the Browns and that this trade to the Bills presents an opportunity to reignite his impact on the field. It’s possible that Cooper felt he wasn’t being utilized to his full potential in Cleveland and is eager to prove himself in a new system with Buffalo.
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The 5-time Pro Bowler has already shown flashes of his elite talent this season, recording 24 receptions for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns through six games. Last year, Cooper had one of his best seasons, racking up a career-high 1,250 receiving yards.
Across his nine full NFL seasons, he’s posted seven 1,000-yard campaigns, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable wide receivers.
Now at 30 years old, Cooper will join a Bills team that has been searching for a dynamic No. 1 receiving option after trading away Stefon Diggs during the offseason.
Cooper’s arrival in Buffalo could provide quarterback Josh Allen with a crucial offensive weapon, giving the Bills a chance to strengthen their receiving corps as they push for a deep playoff run.
Cooper’s message may have been brief, but it speaks volumes about his mindset. He appears eager to embrace this fresh start with Buffalo and leave behind any sense of rust he may have felt during his time with the Browns.
Fans of both the Bills and Cooper will be watching closely to see how this next chapter of his career unfolds.
