Amari Cooper talks 49ers trade rumors involving Brandon Aiyuk's potential move to Browns
On Thursday morning, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper addressed the trade rumors linking him to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for Brandon Aiyuk. The veteran wideout had a clear response, saying that he was focused on performing well on the field.
“At the end of the day, it’s neither here nor there. So, I’m just focused on playing my best football,” Cooper said.
At the hottest point of these rumors, Cooper took to Instagram and shared a story saying he 'wouldn't mind at all,' after he was mentioned as a potential trade chip.
The Browns weren't the only teams reportedly interested in Aiyuk's services, as the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and even the Washington Commanders were linked with a move for the receiver.
Eventually, Aiyuk agreeing to a four-year, $120 million deal with the 49ers. As for the Browns, they retained Cooper, one of their best players from last season, who is expected to make a significant impact this year.
Amari Cooper re-negotiated his deal with the Browns at the start of training camp
After a remarkable 2023 season with the Cleveland Browns, Amari Cooper and the Browns agreed to a renegotiated deal to give the player a raise. Seeing how other teams like the Bengals are handling the contract situation of their WR1, this was a smart move by Cleveland. Then again, Cooper will become a free agent for the first time in March.
“At the end of the day, you might be traded away from one team — it’s all about how you perceive things,” Cooper said (per NBC Sports). “Life is all about perception because in regards to trades, you’re traded away from one team but you’re being accepted into another team.
"So I just look at it as, that’s how the business is arranged. There was a time when there was no free agency. Although I’ve never been a free agent, but I’m just saying that to make a point where players weren’t getting traded as much. It’s just a part of the business now.”
Amari Cooper finished the 2023 NFL season with 72 receptions for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns. She was integral for an injury-riddled team that made it to the postseason despite facing multiple personnel losses while setting the record for most receiving yards for the Browns in a single game, by recording 265 in the game against Houston Texans on December 24 last year.