Cleveland Browns superstar wide receiver Amari Cooper posted a cryptic message on his Instagram story following a report that he was nearly traded to the San Francisco 49ers.
On Friday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reported that the Browns offered Amari Cooper and second and fifth-round draft picks to the 49ers for disgruntled superstar wideout Brandon Aiyuk. According to Maiocco, however, Aiyuk wouldn’t accept a trade to Cleveland.
Cooper seemingly responded to the trade rumors by posting a cryptic Instagram story message that read, “lol I wouldn’t mind at all.” You can see a screenshot of Cooper’s post here:
Amari Cooper may be ready for a change of scenery? 👀 pic.twitter.com/YUgxjNt7RF
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 10, 2024
Amari Cooper and the Browns avoided a contract holdout last month by restructuring the last year of his deal for 2024. The remaining $20 million on his contract is guaranteed, and the Browns agreed to a $5 million raise as well.
Amari Cooper has every right to be annoyed his name is in trade talks.
He’s done everything right as a Brown. Why wouldn’t he be bothered by the potential of changing teams despite his efforts? pic.twitter.com/oVh6fMEQRd
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) August 10, 2024
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have also been widely linked to a trade for Brandon Aiyuk. According to multiple reports, however, neither team is willing to meet the 49ers’ high asking price for the 26-year-old.
Assuming he’s still on Cleveland’s roster come Week 1, Cooper will get a chance at revenge when the Browns host his old team, the Dallas Cowboys, in their home opener on Sept. 8. That game will also mark Tom Brady’s debut as an NFL analyst on FOX.
In the meantime, we continue to see how the Aiyuk and Cooper situations play out…
Amari Cooper Has Been A Shining Star For The Browns
The Browns acquired Amari Cooper via trade with the cap-strapped Dallas Cowboys in the 2022 offseason. Cooper posted a career-high 1,250 yards in 2023 and helped the Browns to an 11-win season and wild card berth.
Over his first two seasons in Cleveland, Cooper has hauled in 150 receptions for 2,410 yards and 14 touchdowns. The five-time Pro Bowler is eligible to enter free agency next year.
