NFL analyst claims Amari Cooper needs to deliver on trade investment soon

Amari Cooper was supposed to be the final piece to the puzzle for the already red-hot Josh Allen. Initially, it looked that way. However, in recent weeks, the wide receiver has left fans, fantasy football managers, and now analysts wanting.

Speaking on Wednesday's edition of "Get Up," NFL analyst Jeff Saturday delivered what could be the first of a series of knocks on the wide receiver (1:16):

"When you think about Cooper, it's not only for this game. I don't want to make [too big of a deal] because we're midway through the season, but you want to start seeing him and Josh Allen finding form together in big games."

While this is a far cry with some of the criticisms leveled against the Dallas Cowboys, Caleb Williams or other big-name NFL pieces falling short, it could be a first step toward that eventual fate.

Since his first game with the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 20, Cooper has logged five catches for 69 yards and a touchdown. The vast majority of that production came in the first game. If one takes away that matchup, Cooper has logged just one catch for 3 yards since.

Injuries have played a role, but Cooper has been in a down year overall. After 10 weeks, he is still looking for his first 100-yard game.

Amari Cooper continues slump in critical contract year

Amari Cooper at Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills - Source: Imagn

Josh Allen's seemingly top new receiver is hitting a rough patch at the worst time. According to Spotrac, there are no guarantees beyond the 2024 season. As such, the season was set up for an explosive prove-it performance from Cooper.

Instead, it has gone off the rails. Cooper logged just 250 yards with the Cleveland Browns before getting dealt to the Buffalo Bills. Unless something changes in the second act of the season, Cooper could find himself on the open market as a receiver on the wrong side of 30.

That said, with the Bills in a nearly guaranteed position to make the playoffs, Amari Cooper will have at least one big chance to help erase his regular-season struggles in January. Will he be able to craft a resume-building performance with the Bills to help erase what has been a big step down from his 1,250 yards in the 2023 season?

If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Get Up," and H/T Sportskeeda.