Former All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams has become a notable name in trade discussions, particularly as a potential target for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, he isn’t the only receiver under consideration. On October 2, ESPN analysts Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler suggested that the Steelers might also be interested in acquiring Amari Cooper if the Cleveland Browns decide to make the veteran available for trade.
Fowler pointed out that if the Browns continue to struggle, Cooper could become a viable option due to a recent restructuring of his contract, which allows him to play for a minimum base salary. This financial flexibility makes him more appealing to teams like the Steelers. However, a significant hurdle for Pittsburgh in pursuing Cooper could be Cleveland’s reluctance to trade with a division rival, as such deals are notoriously difficult to finalize.
Graziano emphasized the rarity of intra-division trades, noting that the last time the Steelers and Browns executed a trade was in September 2017, when Pittsburgh sent wide receiver Sammie Coates and a 2019 seventh-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for a sixth-rounder in the same draft. The Steelers have not made any trades with AFC North teams since March 2020, when they acquired defensive lineman Chris Wormley from the Baltimore Ravens for a 2021 fifth-round pick.
Considering how the Steelers have been linked to various prominent receivers since trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers on March 12, it’s understandable why analysts would speculate about Cooper joining Pittsburgh. Although he has never earned an All-Pro designation, Cooper boasts an impressive career as a reliable receiver across three different teams. With five Pro Bowl selections to his name, he has proven to be productive throughout his ten-year career.
In the 2023 season, Cooper recorded 72 receptions for 1,250 yards and scored five touchdowns, marking his first Pro Bowl selection with the Browns. He averaged a career-high 17.4 yards per catch that year, showcasing his ability to stretch the field. However, his performance has seen a downturn in 2024, where he is averaging just 9.3 yards per reception, the lowest of his career after four games.
Should Cooper be acquired by the Steelers, he would represent a significant upgrade, particularly given that none of the other receivers on the roster, aside from George Pickens, are averaging more than two receptions per game this season. The potential addition of a seasoned receiver like Cooper could bolster the Steelers’ offense and provide much-needed support for their passing game. While the likelihood of such a trade remains uncertain, the interest in Cooper reflects Pittsburgh’s ongoing efforts to enhance their receiving corps as they navigate the challenges of the current season.