The San Francisco 49ers could quickly become one of the NFL's most desperate trade seekers.
After three weeks, not only are the 49ers unexpectedly tied for last place in the NFC West, but their roster has been crushed by injuries. Already, All-Pro offensive talents Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle have missed games, and the first two will both miss at least one more.
The 49ers thought their receiving core was locked in once Brandon Aiyuk's extension was inked. But Samuel's injury and Aiyuk's slow start to the season left Jauan Jennings as the top target for the 49ers in Week 3. Receiver could become a pain point if the injuries mount up.
Meanwhile, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox named Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper as one of the top 10 realistic trade targets around the NFL this season.
And while the 49ers weren't one of the fits Knox listed for Cooper, he must be under consideration if either Samuel's injury worsens, or one of the 49ers' other top two receivers goes down unexpectedly.
"Cleveland is still trying to make things work with quarterback Deshaun Watson, but that will be a lost cause if it can't find reinforcements along the line—the signal-caller has been sacked 16 times through three weeks," Knox said.
"Trading Cooper, who will be a free agent in the offseason, might be Cleveland's only hope. If the five-time Pro Bowler becomes available, virtually every receiver-needy team should be interested."
Cooper, 30, has been a victim of the Browns' stagnant offense in 2024, but he still has two touchdown catches in three games. He set a career-high with 1,250 yards in 2023, the best season of his five Pro Bowl campaigns.
A trade lines up perfectly from a contract standpoint because Cooper will be a free agent this summer, while the Browns will be happy for any kind of salary relief after converting most of Deshaun Watson's money to a signing bonus.
The 49ers aren't in this thing to pinch pennies this year. They know this is one of their best-ever opportunities to win a Super Bowl, and any moves they can make to increase their odds will be well worth the loot.
Trading for Cooper, especially if Samuel or another receiver misses extended time, could be one of those moves.
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