If the San Francisco 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk to the Cleveland Browns, they will reportedly return a seasoned wide receiver to replace him in the offence.
On Tuesday’s episode of Get Up (starting at 3:30), ESPN’s Jeff Darlington stated that the Browns would include Amari Cooper in a hypothetical trade with the 49ers for Aiyuk.
According to 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 according to Maiocco, both teams have already dropped out of the running.
Cooper and Aiyuk are entering the final years of their current contracts. Aiyuk will make $14.1 million in the fifth year of his rookie contract. Cooper recently modified his deal, lowering his 2024 basic salary to the veteran minimum of $1.21 million but adding four vacant years.
Aiyuk requested a trade in July after being unable to reach an extension agreement with the 49ers, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported at the time that San Francisco had told other teams it had no interest in selling the 26-year-old player.
On Monday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Aiyuk is “closer” to a trade than staying in San Francisco.
The 49ers’ situation is further complicated by Trent Williams’ holdout. The elite left tackle wants to change his current contract, which has no guaranteed money remaining.
The 49ers are also considering extending quarterback Brock Purdy’s contract when he is eligible to negotiate a new deal next offseason.
Last season, Aiyuk and Cooper performed similarly. Aiyuk totaled 1,342 yards, seven touchdowns, and 17.9 yards per reception. Cooper totaled 1,250 yards, five touchdowns, and 17.4 yards per reception.
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, as the team already has multiple experienced players on expensive contracts.
The 49ers are still looking to win a Super Bowl this season, so replacing Aiyuk with Cooper in the offence would save head coach Kyle Shanahan from having to make many changes if Purdy’s favourite target from last season is not on the roster.
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