The Baltimore Ravens or Los Angeles Chargers may trade for five-time Pro Bowler wide receiver, Amari Cooper. According to a report, there’s a new viral rumor that Cooper could be holding out as training camp is around the corner so it’ll be interesting to see how deep he will go. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if he does since he doesn’t have a new deal as he’s entering his final year. He’s been the Browns’ best receiver on the roster after finishing the 2o23 campaign, catching 72 passes for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns.
He made those numbers despite the quarterback situation that Cleveland was dealing with last year which is a sign that the Browns should probably offer him a new contract. A source says the team has a timeline for Cooper that would extend him before this year’s training camp but that isn’t happening since it starts this upcoming week. Cooper has been skipping all OTAs and mandatory minicamps where he’s sending a clear message to Cleveland’s front office that he wants a new deal. However, the team is working on negotiations with Cooper since they don’t want him missing any more time with the 30-year-old receiver.
He has all the leverage in the contract talks since he was able to prove that he’s a receiver that the Browns don’t want to miss out. This also includes the decision that he may request for a trade this upcoming season if the two sides don’t come to a resolution. Baltimore would be suitors in that trade since they need a receiver to help accommodate Zay Flowers since Rashod Bateman isn’t performing well. The same is true for the Chargers since the only promising youth talent that Justin Herbert has is Ladd McConkey.
Ravens, Chargers May Trade for Five-Time Pro Bowler Amari Cooper
A Reunion In Dallas?
One source suggests that the Dallas Cowboys should trade for Cooper to bring him back for security at the wide receiver position. This move would be a no-brainer considering that the team is at a crossroads with CeeDee Lamb in contract talks as well. However, a new report says that Lamb is planning to hold out until he receives a new deal which puts pressure on the team to strike a contract. Things can get tricky though in a possible trade if they want Cooper back since they’ve been bargaining and not wanting to pay their stars the top dollar.
The thing is that the Cowboys don’t have anyone behind Lamb. Brandin Cooks is best at average so no one should expect him to be like Brandon Aiyuk out there. Dallas has competition for the No. 3 receiver spot so Cooper’s addition should give the Cowboys more life on their offense. However, this would probably mean that Dallas would move on from Lamb. Unless they see Jalen Tolbert ready to fill in big shoes, they should bring in another wideout.
Other Potential Trade Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
Now this fit probably wouldn’t make sense since Cooper is demanding a pricey contract but he may not looking for something in the realm of what Aiyuk or Tee Higgins is asking for. However, Cooper would be open arms to team with Patrick Mahomes even if it means adjusting to a contract the Chiefs would offer. A free trip to a potential Super Bowl should be on the mind of Cooper since he hasn’t been finding any luck on playing a legit contender other than the Cowboys. Kansas City would need another deep threat on the vertical route to help Marquise Brown who they should place on the slant so he could others like Kadarius Toney and Mecole Hardman.
Carolina Panthers
This would give Cooper a full reset but the Panthers may have to spend big money again similar to how they were able to get Diontae Johnson. The Panthers are looking like the next Lions with the supporting cast they’re getting for Bryce Young. A returning Adam Thielen and youth rookie Xavier Legette should give Young temporary supply for a run at playoffs but Cooper’s addition should put the eyes on the Panthers for a Super Bowl run.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints would need to get creative to find a way to Cooper if they trade for him. However, the team doesn’t have any other choice but to get a legit supporting cast for Derek Carr. Chris Olave and a punt-returner specialist Rashid Shaheed aren’t gonna help Carr’s campaign for his second year. It would probably force him to rely on Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams but they’re running backs so that’s a temporary solution.
