Amari Cooper Responds to Trade Rumors: ‘Lol, I Wouldn’t Mind at All’
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper found himself at the center of trade rumors that shook the NFL landscape and sent shockwaves through the Browns’ fan base.
The speculation linked Cooper to a potential deal with the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, a move that would have drastically altered the makeup of both teams.
The Rumored Trade: Cooper for Aiyuk
The trade, first reported by NBC Sports Bay Area, involved the Browns sending Cooper, along with second- and fifth-round draft picks, to the 49ers in exchange for Aiyuk.
The deal seemed poised to happen until a significant snag arose: Aiyuk did not want to play for the Browns. His preferred destinations were either the Pittsburgh Steelers or staying with the 49ers if they could agree on a contract extension.
“The Browns are out, even though they wanted to be in. The problem was that Aiyuk didn’t want to be in Cleveland,” reported Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
This revelation left the Browns in a precarious situation, having risked their relationship with their No. 1 wide receiver by involving him in a very public trade discussion.
Amari Cooper’s Response
Word of the trade talks quickly got back to Cooper, who took to social media to address the rumors. In an Instagram post on Friday night, Cooper responded with a simple yet powerful message: “Lol I wouldn’t mind at all.”
This six-word statement was enough to send fans and analysts into a frenzy, sparking debates about Cooper’s future with the Browns.
Some interpreted his message as a sign that he might be open to a change of scenery, while others believed it was a light-hearted way of brushing off the trade rumors.
Brandon Aiyuk’s Contract Negotiations with the 49ers
As the trade talks between the Browns and the 49ers fell apart, the 49ers revived contract extension discussions with Aiyuk.
Amari Cooper may be ready for a change of scenery? 👀 pic.twitter.com/YUgxjNt7RF
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 10, 2024
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Aiyuk and the 49ers restarted negotiations on a long-term deal after a candid meeting with head coach Kyle Shanahan and other team officials.
“49ers star WR Brandon Aiyuk recently had a sit-down meeting with Kyle Shanahan and others in the organization where ‘some open and candid thoughts were expressed,’” Schultz reported.
“The two sides have since restarted negotiations on a long-term deal and there is some optimism that Aiyuk could remain in SF.”
Aiyuk, who caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns last season, is seeking a contract that would pay him around $30 million per season, putting him on par with some of the top wide receivers in the league.
With Aiyuk’s future with the 49ers still uncertain, the Browns now find themselves reassessing their options.
The Browns’ Gamble and Cooper’s Future
The Browns’ involvement in these trade discussions was a bold move that came with significant risks.
By dangling their top receiver as trade bait, they not only risked alienating Cooper but also sent a message to the rest of the team that no one is untouchable.
Cooper, who recently turned 30, is coming off a season in which he recorded 1,250 yards on 72 catches, earning the fifth Pro Bowl nod of his career. Despite his impressive performance, the Browns have yet to extend his contract beyond the current season.
Instead, they agreed to a restructured deal before training camp, which guaranteed Cooper’s $20 million salary for this season and added $5 million in incentives.
The restructuring, however, does not prevent the Browns from offering Cooper an extension at some point. General Manager Andrew Berry addressed the situation on July 29, stating, “I think everybody here understands what Amari has meant to the organization in our affinity for him.
He’s an excellent player, outstanding human being. He’s been a big part of our success last year, and we were glad we were able to resolve the situation.”
Cooper himself expressed contentment with the restructured deal but admitted that he had hoped for more guarantees in his contract. “I’m content for sure.
Obviously I wanted more guarantees in the contract, just because I feel like I’ve earned it,” Cooper said on July 25. “But you know, you can’t always get what you wish for all the time. It’s definitely noted. If I have to go earn it, that’s what I’ll do.”
The Impact on the Browns
The fallout from these trade rumors could have lasting effects on the Browns. Cooper is not just a key player on the field; he’s also a leader in the locker room.
Any damage to the relationship between Cooper and the organization could impact team morale and performance.
For the Browns, the failed trade could also serve as a wake-up call. They must now navigate the delicate process of mending fences with Cooper while also addressing the glaring need for long-term stability at the wide receiver position.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Cooper to see how he responds on the field. Will he use the situation as motivation to prove his worth, or will the lingering uncertainty affect his play?
For the Browns, the hope is that Cooper continues to be the dominant force he has been throughout his career, helping to lead the team to success.
What’s Next for Cooper and the Browns?
With the trade rumors behind them, the Browns must focus on the upcoming season and the challenges that lie ahead.
Whether or not they decide to revisit contract extension talks with Cooper remains to be seen, but it’s clear that he remains a vital part of their plans—at least for now.
As for Cooper, his response to the trade rumors suggests that he’s not easily rattled by speculation.
His focus will likely remain on performing at the highest level and continuing to solidify his legacy as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.
In the end, the Browns’ gamble on Cooper’s future may have been a risky move, but it’s one that could ultimately pay off if they can navigate the situation carefully and keep their star receiver happy.
For now, Browns fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that Cooper is still on their side, ready to give his all for the team and the city of Cleveland.
