The future of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper has been a hot topic even before the NFL season kicked off, with trade speculation very much in play. Then it was about whether the Browns could flip Cooper to the 49ers and acquire Brandon Aiyuk. And now? It’s about Cleveland, at 1-5, giving up on their $100 million receiver – and given up on the season, too. Cooper, who is in the final year of a five-year contract, surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in four of the last five seasons. In 2023, despite dealing with four different quarterbacks, he managed 72 catches for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns, proving his value as a reliable target. But …
He is also an enigmatic figure. Cleveland recently adjusted his $20 million salary, eating the money to lure someone into trading for him. And on Tuesday, someone did.
He is also an enigmatic figure. Cleveland recently adjusted his $20 million salary, eating the money to lure someone into trading for him. And on Tuesday, someone did.
The Browns are essentially getting a third-round pick from the Bills for Cooper in a deal that makes sense for both teams. In Buffalo? Josh Allen needs weapons as the 4-2 Bills make a hoped-for title run. In Cleveland? It’s over.
The Browns are essentially getting a third-round pick from the Bills for Cooper in a deal that makes sense for both teams. In Buffalo? Josh Allen needs weapons as the 4-2 Bills make a hoped-for title run. In Cleveland? It’s over.
Earlier this offseason, Cooper was reportedly included in a potential trade package for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, but that move fell through. Despite the ongoing rumors, Cooper remained an on-paper key part of Cleveland’s offense. But as with Deshaun Watson and too many other Browns moves, the 2022 trade with the Dallas Cowboys to get Cooper didn’t work. And now? The Nov. 5 trade deadline looms. Cleveland will fire-sale. Give up. And tank.
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