The Browns may finally trade wide receiver, Amari Cooper to the Chargers or Saints before this year’s trade deadline. According to a report, it seems imminent that the Browns could trade Cooper where he desires after their blowout loss against the Commanders. Even though Cooper is on a new contract, quarterback Deshaun Watson is on the verge of a suspension pending his investigation. However, the Browns are 1-4 and are near out of a postseason contention this season.
No one should expect them to be contenders this year so they might as well build some draft capital for this offseason. Cooper is a pending 2025 free agent so it’s sensible why he could be a reliable trade chip where the Browns could get plenty in return. One report states the Browns won’t sell Cooper despite them having a slow-going season for Watson and this offense. Cooper continues to be the leading receiver in their disastrous loss so it only makes sense for the Browns to trade him to a team that has a chance to go all the way.
The veteran has been slowing down this year given the nature of this team’s slow start after recording 148 yards and two scores through four matchups. The high-volume receiver should be able to garner interest from teams as soon as he requests a trade. Cleveland would be foolish to not take advantage of this opportunity to sell Cooper this season being that they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
Disastrous Browns May Finally Trade Receiver Amari Cooper to Chargers, Saints
More Life for Justin Herbert
The Chargers have a few questions at the quarterback position since Justin Herbert is dealing with a high-ankle sprain. He is in recovery but injuries tend to creep up. Jim Harbaugh wants him to keep running the ball but that isn’t possible since Herbert thrives best when he throws the football. However, Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer can’t stay consistent as Ladd McConkey is their only best receiver arguably.
No one should expect incoming wideout DJ Chark to do anything special. This means they’re lacking a heavy set of receivers that can catch those deep balls. Cooper may not be in his prime anymore but he’s easily the best receiver if he lands with Los Angeles. It gives Herbert a new set of hands to work with and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he thrives as their No. 1 receiver.
You can’t beat out teams like the Ravens and Chiefs in the AFC just running the football. If the Chargers land Cooper, this should create a distraction for teams who may anticipate the run from Jim Harbaugh’s offense.
Firepower in New Orleans
The Saints are in the market for a new receiver since releasing A.T. Perry. They looked like a top-five offense the first two weeks but the team has been crumbling after two brutal losses. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are Derek Carr’s only reliable receivers on the field. Cooper would arguably be their best receiver next to Olave and would help Shaheed’s development as the long-term wideout for Dennis Allen’s offense.
New Orleans already has a solid running game and average defense, so they may be one receiver away from making a deep run in the postseason.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore probably can’t afford someone like Davante Adams so they may look for Cooper. The Ravens are the second-best below Kansas City so Cooper could find his role alongside Zay Flowers. John Harbaugh runs a fast-paced offense thanks to Lamar Jackson so that change of scenery could benefit Cooper. They want to ensure they add plenty of firepower in time for the postseason when going up against teams like the Texans and Chiefs.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams can’t afford to miss any of their receivers before the postseason. If Cooper Kupp suffers another injury, they could make a play at Cooper. Puka Nacua is also out but he’s the future of this passing game so no one should expect him to miss any more time. Hypothetically, Cooper could become their best playmaker as Nacua continues to develop.
