Steelers' Rival Could Emerge As New Trade Suitor For Brandon Aiyuk As Star Wide Receiver Is Unhappy Amidst Contract Negotiations

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Brandon Aiyuk have been leading some of the headlines around the NFL this offseason. Since the Steelers have an unproven and weak wide receiving core right now, the talk about a trade for Aiyuk will not go away. However, at this point, it seems like a dream that will never come to reality. The Cleveland Browns have receiver issues of their own right now too, as Amari Cooper skipped all of mandatory minicamp. He is currently holding out for a new contract extension.

Cooper signed a five-year deal worth $100 million with the Dallas Cowboys back in 2020. Now going into his last season on his contract, Cooper wants to get paid from Cleveland. It's been reported that the receiver wants an extension that provides both length and amount, which is hard to come by. Do the Browns really want to give Cooper an extension longer than two or three years if he is already 30 years old anyways? That seems to be the big question mark looming in Cleveland. 

On the flip side, the Browns just traded for wideout Jerry Jeudy to be Cooper's number two, and they gave Jeudy an extension worth $58 million through 2027. Cooper is a vital part of the Cleveland offense, and his presence is critical to their success. Browns General Manager Andrew Berry addressed the situation with Cooper by stating he is a big part of their team, but more importantly, their culture. 

Considering that the two parties haven't come to an agreement yet, it's fair to consider that this could be Cooper's final year in the brown and orange. In fact, since both the Browns and the San Francisco 49ers are having issues with their playmakers, could there potentially be a trade where the two teams swap receivers? Brandon Little with AtoZSports.com explains why the trade would make sense.

"Cleveland makes this trade because it gives them a younger wideout that they would feel comfortable giving. Cooper will play in his age-30 season in 2024, while Aiyuk is just 26," said Little. "Cleveland can pay Aiyuk and make the cap hit minimal for the 2024 season. On the other hand, the 49ers won't feel a lot of drop-off from their X wide receiver with the route running ability that Cooper will bring to negate the loss of Aiyuk."

A trade like this is very unlikely to be done, but considering both receivers have one foot out of the door, you never know. Aiyuk revealed that the 49ers don't want him anymore, and it just seems like a ticking clock until he gets moved. It's more likely that Cooper stays and Aiyuk gets moved than vice versa. 

The talks about Cooper's holdout will continue in Cleveland and the worries will grow the longer the Browns wait. This is a huge year for quarterback Deshaun Watson, and he'll need a happy Cooper in order to have the season Cleveland is hoping he'll have.

Steelers Sticking With What They've Got At Receiver

A trade between the Steelers and the 49ers for Aiyuk doesn't seem likely at this point. Pittsburgh has gotten off to a strong start when it comes to their new offensive game plan with Arthur Smith. George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth will be leading the passing game this season, and with the glamouring reports, it sounds like Calvin Austin III is set for a great season too. Unless San Francisco is willing to cut down on the asking price for Aiyuk, he will not be coming to Pittsburgh anytime soon. 

What do you think of the possibility of a trade swap between Cooper and Aiyuk? Is it more likely that we will see Aiyuk in Cleveland or Pittsburgh this season? Will the Steelers' receivers be able to produce enough without another receiver addition? Let us know in the comments below.

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