In a stunning turn of events, Davante Adams and Amari Cooper have joined the list of traded NFL wide receivers. The New York Jets secured Adams, while the Buffalo Bills swooped in to acquire Cooper, both for third-round draft choices. This marks the third trade for Cooper and the second for Adams, two pass catchers who boast a total of 11 Pro Bowl appearances and nearly 21,000 yards between them.
The receiver position in the NFL is always evolving, with players constantly changing teams in search of success. Seven of the last eight receivers acquired during the season have averaged 8.7 starts with their new teams, not just in the season they were acquired, but in all future seasons as well. However, when viewed as rentals, these players have struggled, averaging just 38.3 yards per game in their initial season with their new team, well below the league average of 50 yards per game for starting receivers.
Despite the challenges faced by in-season receiver acquisitions, the Jets and Bills remain optimistic about their chances with Adams and Cooper. With a combined total of 11 Pro Bowls, over 20,000 yards, and 158 touchdowns, these two players have the pedigree to succeed where others have faltered.
Looking back at recent history, Cooper stands out as the only success story among previous in-season receiver acquisitions. Since joining the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, he has made 54 starts and proven to be a valuable asset for his team.
When comparing Cooper and Adams to other similar acquisitions dating back to 2002, there are mixed results. Players like Keenan McCardell, Deion Branch, Braylon Edwards, and Randy Moss all struggled in their first year with new teams after being traded.
As the NFL landscape continues to shift and change, only time will tell if Adams and Cooper can defy the odds and find success with their new teams. With their talent and experience, they certainly have the potential to make a significant impact on their respective offenses. The Jets and Bills are hopeful that these two star receivers will be the missing piece to their offensive puzzle.
