NFL Rumors: Amari Cooper Would Be in Brandon Aiyuk Trade If Browns, 49ers Make Deal

If the San Francisco 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk to the Cleveland Browns, they will reportedly be getting back a veteran wide receiver to take his spot in the offense.

On Tuesday's episode of Get Up (starts at 3:30 mark), ESPN's Jeff Darlington reported the Browns would include Amari Cooper as part of the package in a potential trade with the 49ers for Aiyuk.

Per NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco, the 49ers have trade frameworks in place with the Browns and New England Patriots for Aiyuk if he agrees to a long-term contract extension with either team.

The Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers were also interested in Aiyuk, but Maiocco noted both teams are now out of the bidding.

Cooper and Aiyuk are entering the final seasons of their current contracts. Aiyuk will earn $14.1 million in the fifth year of his rookie deal. Cooper recently restructured his contract to lower his 2024 base salary to the veteran minimum of $1.21 million and add four void years.

Aiyuk requested a trade in July after being unable to agree to terms with the 49ers on an extension, but ESPN's Adam Schefter noted at the time San Francisco was telling other teams it had no interest in trading the 26-year-old.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported on Monday that a trade involving Aiyuk is "closer" than him staying in San Francisco.

Complicating matters for the 49ers is they are also dealing with Trent Williams' holdout. The star left tackle wants an adjustment to his current contract, which has no more guaranteed money remaining.

The 49ers are also staring down a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy when he becomes eligible to sign a new deal next offseason.

There wasn't a huge difference in performance between Aiyuk and Cooper last season. Aiyuk racked up 1,342 yards, seven touchdowns and 17.9 yards per reception. Cooper finished with 1,250 yards, five touchdowns and 17.4 yards per catch.

Aiyuk, 26, is four years younger than Cooper. Signing him to an extension would also allow the Browns to potentially keep his cap hits low for at least a few seasons since they already have several veteran players signed to expensive contracts.

The 49ers are still trying to compete for a Super Bowl this season, so replacing Aiyuk with Cooper in their offense would save head coach Kyle Shanahan from having to adjust much if Purdy's favorite target from last season isn't on the roster.