Former Alabama Wideout Tabbed in Potential Trade for 49ers Star

As the beginning of the NFL season approaches, drama and rumors about where players will suit up in week one are still flying around league circles.

One of the players whose name is hot in the NFL rumor mill is former Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper.

According to several reports over the past few days, Cooper, likely along with draft picks, is potential trade compensation for 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Per NBC's Matt Maiocco, the bodywork of a deal involving a swap between Aiyuk and Cooper, plus draft picks, has been agreed to.

The 49ers have also agreed to the terms of a deal with the New England Patriots, who would reportedly send WR Kendrick Bourne and potentially draft picks for Aiyuk.

The only remaining caveat is that Aiyuk must agree to a new contract with the Patriots or the Browns.

However, Cooper doesn't seem to wish to depart from Cleveland. In a July 25 clip during media availability, Cooper stated, "I'm very adaptable, but at the same time, I don't really like the change. I want to be here [Cleveland]."

If a trade involving Cooper between Cleveland and San Francisco goes through, it would be the third time the former Alabama wideout has joined a new NFL franchise, all of which would have come via trades.

In October 2018, the Dallas Cowboys sent a first-round pick to the then-Oakland Raiders for Cooper. Cooper would enjoy a largely successful 3.5 seasons with "America's Team." In the 2022 off-season, Cooper was traded again, this time to the Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys sent Cooper and a sixth-round pick for a fifth and sixth-round pick from the Browns.

Cooper has enjoyed some of the best seasons of his career in Cleveland, racking up 2410 yards and 14 touchdowns over 32 games with the Browns.

Cooper has demonstrated his ability to be an elite wideout at each of his stops in the National Football League. If Cooper is dealt to San Francisco, his high level of consistency should continue under head coach Kyle Shanahan and a roster of Super Bowl caliber.

For more Alabama Football, Basketball, and Baseball content from Simon Besnoy, follow him on X/Twitter at @SimonBesnoy and stay tuned to Tide1009.com for daily news.