Proposed Bills-Eagles Trade Could Solve WR Depth With Omar Cooper Jr.

Buffalo could move up to grab the versatile Indiana wideout in the first round.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:22pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player making a catch, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant blue, green, and orange hues, conveying the dynamic action of the play.A proposed draft-day trade could allow the Bills to add a versatile receiving threat to their offense.Indianapolis Today

With just one week until the 2026 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills are exploring options to trade up from their 26th overall pick to address their wide receiver depth. A hypothetical deal with the Philadelphia Eagles would send the 26th pick and a 4th-rounder to move up to 23rd overall, where the Bills could select Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr., a versatile wideout who excels at yards after the catch.

Why it matters

The Bills have not selected a wide receiver in the first round under GM Brandon Beane, but Cooper's ability to play both inside and outside could make him an ideal fit for Joe Brady's offense. With limited draft capital, the team may need to get creative to land an impact player who can immediately contribute.

The details

In the proposed trade, the Bills would send the 26th overall pick and their 4th-round selection (126th overall) to the Eagles in exchange for the 23rd pick. At that spot, they would target Cooper, who impressed scouts with his playmaking ability and versatility in college. Cooper can line up all over the formation and is a threat to pick up yards after the catch, two key attributes that would mesh well with Josh Allen's skill set and Brady's offensive scheme.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place in one week.

The players

Brandon Beane

The general manager of the Buffalo Bills, tasked with leading the team's roster-building efforts through the draft and free agency.

Omar Cooper Jr.

A wide receiver from Indiana University who is projected to be selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Joe Brady

The offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, known for his creative play-calling and ability to maximize the talents of his skill position players.

Josh Allen

The starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, known for his strong arm and ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs.

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What they’re saying

“This proposed move would be a change of pace for the Bills, but it wouldn't be nearly as costly as the last time they went after their preferred receiver early.”

— Alex Brasky, SI.com Writer

“Cooper has the ability to thrive in both areas, and can pick up yardage as a runner as well.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Bills will have one week to finalize their draft plans before the 2026 NFL Draft begins. If they decide to pursue the proposed trade with the Eagles, they would need to negotiate the details and ensure the deal is completed prior to their first-round selection.

The takeaway

The Bills' need for an impact wide receiver, combined with Cooper's versatile skill set and fit in Joe Brady's offense, make this a potentially shrewd move that could pay dividends for Buffalo's passing attack. While the team has historically avoided taking wideouts in the first round, the opportunity to trade up and land a player like Cooper may be too good to pass up.