Who Should I Start? Amari Cooper or Brandon Aiyuk

Friday, March 29, 9:23 PM

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns may focus on a new contract for wide receiver Amari Cooper. "We love him," said general manager Andrew Berry while addressing the topic at league meetings. "So players like that, you want to make sure that you can retain as long as possible, and we'll work through all of that at the appropriate times." Cabot believes both sides won't enter talks until after the NFL draft. But Cleveland could look to make something happen soon, considering the cost for wideouts is expected to increase. Cooper, entering the final year of his current deal, amassed a career-high 1,250 receiving yards with 72 catches and five touchdowns. He also averaged 17.4 yards per catch. The Browns added Jerry Jeudy in a trade from Denver. However, Cooper should still remain involved at a high level, especially if Deshaun Watson (shoulder) can return to form.

Wednesday, May 8, 2:05 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is unlikely to be traded entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2024, and the 49ers' focus remains on keeping the star wideout for the long term. Both sides are hoping that they can work out a well-earned contract extension eventually. The recent extensions for DeVonta Smith Amon-Ra St. Brown also give the Niners a little bit more clarity in what Aiyuk's next contract should look like. Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel were both available for trade before and during last month's NFL draft, but nobody came through with an offer good enough for the Niners to pull the trigger. With Aiyuk being the bigger long-term priority, the 2024 season is likely the last that they'll have both Samuel and Aiyuk around. The 26-year-old Aiyuk, a former first-rounder, finished tied as the WR12 in half-PPR formats in 2023 with Samuel.