This week, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton suggested the San Francisco 49ers may need to bolster their receiving corps, with Brandon Aiyuk expected to miss time while recovering from the ACL injury he sustained in October and Demarcus Robinson potentially facing a three-game suspension. Moton initially proposed longtime Chargers star Keenan Allen, who spent last season with the Chicago Bears, as a logical fit.
On Saturday, Moton released a new article highlighting one move each NFL team should still make this offseason. This time, he linked the 49ers to another veteran wideout—Amari Cooper, who spent last season with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills but remains unsigned heading into the 2025 season.
While there's no indication the 49ers lack confidence in Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall as Week 1 starters, Moton believes adding another proven pass-catcher could benefit newly extended quarterback Brock Purdy, who recently signed a $265 million deal. With both Aiyuk and Robinson likely sidelined early on, depth could be crucial.
"Cooper battled injuries throughout the 2024 season, which limited his production," Moton wrote. "But if he's healthy, the 30-year-old would be a quality pickup. As Christian McCaffrey ages, Purdy must take on more of the offensive workload with his arm. So, San Francisco should load up on able-bodied and available receivers."
Last year, while the 49ers were working through a complex contract negotiation with Brandon Aiyuk, the Browns reportedly offered Amari Cooper as part of a trade package. However, Aiyuk rejected the potential trade destination, expressing no interest in playing for Cleveland.
Cooper has recorded seven 1,000-yard seasons in his career. His most recent came in 2023, when he posted a career-high 1,250 receiving yards. The previous year, he notched a career-best nine touchdown receptions in his first season with the Browns.
Moton clearly believes the five-time Pro Bowler still has enough left in the tank to make an impact with San Francisco, giving Purdy another reliable playmaker as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 6–11 campaign.
Comments