The San Francisco 49ers face a critical offseason as they aim to bolster their roster for the 2025 NFL season. One position of particular concern is wide receiver, with key players like Deebo Samuel potentially leaving and Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a significant injury. Amari Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver and a free agent in 2025, has emerged as a potential target for the 49ers. This article evaluates whether the 49ers should pursue signing Cooper, considering their current roster needs, his fit within their offensive scheme, and the financial and strategic implications of such a move.
The 49ers’ Wide Receiver Situation
The 49ers’ receiving corps is in a state of flux. Deebo Samuel, a versatile playmaker, has reportedly requested a trade and is unlikely to return for the 2025 season. Additionally, Brandon Aiyuk, the team’s primary receiver, suffered a torn ACL and MCL in 2024, raising questions about his recovery timeline and effectiveness upon return. While Jauan Jennings has proven to be a reliable No. 2 option and rookie Ricky Pearsall showed promise in his first year, the depth behind them is thin. Without a proven veteran presence, the 49ers risk entering the season with an untested and potentially underwhelming group of receivers, which could hinder quarterback Brock Purdy’s performance and the team’s overall offensive output.
Amari Cooper’s Profile and Recent Performance
Amari Cooper, now 30 years old, is a veteran wide receiver with a storied career. Drafted fourth overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2015, Cooper has played for the Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and Buffalo Bills, earning five Pro Bowl selections and surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in seven seasons. His career stats include over 10,000 receiving yards and 64 touchdowns, showcasing his consistency and reliability as a pass-catcher.
However, Cooper’s 2024 season was his least productive to date. Splitting time between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, he recorded 44 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns across 14 games. His struggles in Cleveland were partly attributed to poor chemistry with quarterback Deshaun Watson, and his midseason trade to Buffalo didn’t yield a significant uptick in production, with only 297 yards and two touchdowns in eight regular-season games. A wrist injury also sidelined him for two weeks, and his postseason performance was lackluster, averaging 6.8 yards per reception over three games. Despite this down year, Cooper’s track record suggests he still has the potential to be a valuable asset in the right system.
Why the 49ers Should Consider Signing Cooper
Fit in Kyle Shanahan’s Offense: Cooper’s skill set aligns well with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive philosophy. Known for his precise route-running and ability to separate from defenders, Cooper can play both the slot and outside, offering the versatility Shanahan values. His experience as an X receiver makes him an ideal candidate to fill in for Aiyuk during his recovery or replace Samuel’s production. Cooper’s ability to thrive in quick-pass situations and his above-average run-blocking skills further complement the 49ers’ run-heavy, play-action-based scheme.
Veteran Leadership and Depth: The 49ers’ current receiving corps is young, with Pearsall in his second year and other depth options lacking significant experience. Cooper’s decade-long NFL career and proven track record would provide a stabilizing presence, mentoring younger players while ensuring the offense remains competitive. His addition would mitigate the risk of relying on unproven talent, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Aiyuk’s recovery.
Cost-Effective Contract Potential: Coming off a career-low season, Cooper’s market value is likely lower than in previous years. Analysts project he could sign a modest one-year deal or a two-year contract worth around $37.8 million, though his 2024 performance might drive that number down. For a team like the 49ers, who have historically managed their salary cap well, a short-term deal for Cooper represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to bolster their roster without long-term financial commitment.
Previous Interest from the 49ers: The 49ers have shown interest in Cooper before, nearly trading for him in 2024 as part of a deal involving Aiyuk, which fell through due to Aiyuk’s reluctance to join Cleveland. This prior interest indicates that the team sees Cooper as a fit for their system, increasing the likelihood of a smooth integration if signed.
Potential Concerns
Recent Performance Decline: Cooper’s 2024 season raises questions about whether he’s past his prime. His struggles in Buffalo, even with an elite quarterback like Josh Allen, suggest that he may not be the dominant No. 1 receiver he once was. An unnamed Bills coach reportedly called him “done,” though it’s unclear whether this refers to retirement or a perceived decline in ability. The 49ers would need to assess whether Cooper’s down year was due to external factors (e.g., quarterback play, midseason trade, injuries) or a sign of diminishing skills.
Financial Considerations: While Cooper’s contract is expected to be affordable, the 49ers must balance their budget with other needs, particularly in the trenches, as they’ve prioritized offensive and defensive line improvements in recent drafts. Signing Cooper could limit their ability to address other positions or re-sign key players like Jauan Jennings, who becomes a free agent in 2026.
Redundancy with Existing Talent: Some argue that Cooper’s skill set overlaps with Aiyuk’s, and the 49ers might benefit more from a speedier, deep-threat receiver to stretch the field. In 2022, analysts suggested that Cooper wasn’t the ideal fit for the 49ers due to their existing talent and the need for a vertical threat, a concern that may still apply.
Strategic Implications
Signing Cooper would be a strategic move to address immediate needs while maintaining flexibility for the future. A one-year deal would allow the 49ers to evaluate Cooper’s fit without committing long-term, providing a bridge until Aiyuk returns or Pearsall develops further. It would also signal a proactive approach to avoiding the injury-related depth issues that plagued their receiving corps in 2024. Moreover, Cooper’s veteran presence could elevate the team’s competitiveness in a loaded NFC, where they aim to remain Super Bowl contenders.
However, the 49ers must weigh this against their draft strategy. Having already invested a first-round pick in Pearsall, they may hesitate to allocate significant resources to another receiver, especially with pressing needs elsewhere. If they believe Pearsall and Jennings can handle larger roles, they might opt for a cheaper veteran or rely on the draft to address the position.
Conclusion
The San Francisco 49ers should strongly consider signing Amari Cooper to a one-year contract. His versatility, experience, and fit within Kyle Shanahan’s offense make him an ideal candidate to address the team’s immediate need at wide receiver. Despite a down year in 2024, Cooper’s track record suggests he can still be a reliable contributor, especially in a system that maximizes his route-running and versatility. A cost-effective deal would provide depth, leadership, and a safety net for Aiyuk’s recovery without compromising the team’s long-term financial flexibility.
However, the 49ers must conduct due diligence on Cooper’s health and motivation, given concerns about his recent performance. If they determine that his 2024 struggles were situational and that he can return to form, signing him would be a prudent move to fortify their roster for a 2025 Super Bowl run. If they’re skeptical about his remaining upside, they might explore other free agents or draft prospects to address the position. Ultimately, Cooper’s potential to stabilize and enhance the 49ers’ offense makes him a compelling target worth pursuing.