As reported by Pro Football Talk and Mike Maiocco, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk rejected an offer to join the Cleveland Browns. The Browns offered the 49ers wide receiver Amari Cooper and two draft picks (second round and fifth round) in the proposed trade dismissed by Aiyuk.
ProFootball Talk speculated that the 49ers leaked this news knowing that the Browns would not want it to be public knowledge that they had Cooper on the trading block. The team renegotiated with Cooper to get him into camp, but his contract expires at the end of the 2024 season; there is no extension.
Hours after confirmation of the news that he was on the trading block for the Aiyuk deal, Cooper reacted by posting a concerning social media message. He wrote on his Instagram story: “lol I wouldn’t mind at all”
Amari Cooper may be ready for a change of scenery? 👀 pic.twitter.com/YUgxjNt7RF
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 10, 2024
Only Cooper knows exactly what he means, but it seems like all is not unicorns and rainbows in Cleveland. Despite being a workhorse for the past few years when quarterback uncertainty was the theme, he did not get an extension. Then, he learns that he was set to be traded for Brandon Aiyuk.
Cooper has spoken highly of the Browns and his connection with quarterback Deshaun Watson despite the fact they have not been able to play together as much as either had hoped. Will there be a strain on the field or in the huddle between Cooper, Watson, and the Browns offense? Time will tell. One universal fact everyone knows is that winning solves everything so this could be a moot point if the Browns open the season with a winning streak.
