Bills shut the door on reunion with star receiver
Context:
The Buffalo Bills have added Elijah Moore to their team, a wide receiver formerly with the Cleveland Browns, who had a strong last season despite the team using four different quarterbacks. Moore's choice to wear the number 18 jersey, previously worn by Amari Cooper, has sparked speculation about the likelihood of the team re-signing the free agent Cooper, as some fans had hoped. This jersey number decision is seen by some as a signal that the Bills may not be interested in bringing Cooper back, although this remains uncertain until Cooper's future is officially decided. Meanwhile, the Bills are anticipated to have an advantageous 2025 season due to one of the NFL's easier schedules, and there are expectations for significant performances from their wide receivers. The team also ranks highly in post-draft power rankings, suggesting optimism for their upcoming season performance.
Dive Deeper:
Elijah Moore has joined the Buffalo Bills, coming off a productive season with the Cleveland Browns where he caught 61 passes despite the team cycling through four quarterbacks. His addition is seen as a significant event for the Bills' offseason strategy.
Moore has chosen to wear jersey number 18, which was previously worn by Amari Cooper when he was with the Bills in 2024. This decision has led to speculation that the Bills may not be planning to re-sign Cooper, despite some fans advocating for his return on a veteran deal.
Amari Cooper remains a free agent, and there is uncertainty around whether the Bills will opt to bring him back or if he will sign with another team. Moore's jersey choice could be interpreted as a sign of the team's intentions regarding Cooper.
The Bills are predicted to have a favorable 2025 season, partly because they are set to face one of the NFL's easiest schedules, which could enhance their chances of success.
There is an expectation for significant contributions from the Bills' wide receivers in the upcoming season, with some experts predicting standout performances that could impact the team's overall success.
The Buffalo Bills are ranked highly among NFL teams in post-draft power rankings, which reflects a strong outlook for their performance in the forthcoming season.
Jarrett Bailey, the writer covering this story, is a freelance NFL journalist with experience writing for various sports media outlets, and he contributes regularly to discussions about team strategies and player performances.
The Buffalo Bills added to their receiving corps by signing former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore last week. Moore is coming off a very solid season, catching 61 passes for the Browns during a season in which they went through four different quarterbacks. While his signing is the most eventful story in Buffalo, his jersey number selection may have closed the door on potentially bringing back another receiver.
Moore will be wearing No. 18 - the same number Amari Cooper wore for Buffalo in 2024. The Pro Bowl receiver remains a free agent, and there has been a vocal part of Bills Mafia that would love to bring Cooper back on a cheap veteran deal.
Does Moore's jersey selection hint that the Bills aren't really interested in such a move? Or is it nothing to pay attention to? We'll know in the coming weeks or months if and when Cooper signs with the Bills or goes elsewhere with another team.
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