Cooper In, Aiyuk Out? 49ers WR Room Sparks Controversy

San Francisco, CA – June 4, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers sent shockwaves through the NFL this week by signing veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper, but the timing has raised more eyebrows than applause. With Brandon Aiyuk still recovering from a serious knee injury and swirling rumors about his long-term status with the team, Cooper’s arrival has fans and analysts asking a blunt question: Is this the beginning of the end for Aiyuk in the Bay?

Aiyuk, once seen as the future cornerstone of the 49ers’ passing attack, has been battling health issues and contract ambiguity for months. Though the team extended him through 2026, his ability to return to form remains uncertain. That uncertainty is only amplified by the acquisition of Cooper — a 5-time Pro Bowler and 10,000-yard veteran — who joins a roster already featuring Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and Deebo Samuel’s recent replacement by committee.

"We needed a steady hand. Someone who’s been there before, especially with so much transition in the receiver room," said one team source. "Amari brings that, and more importantly, he brings leadership and postseason experience."

But some fans aren’t buying the smooth narrative. The timing of Cooper’s signing — shortly after reports of Aiyuk’s rehab setbacks — feels less like reinforcement and more like succession. While the team publicly insists Aiyuk remains part of their long-term plan, whispers around the league say otherwise.

One NFC executive reportedly commented, “If the 49ers are really counting on Pearsall to ascend and Cooper to hold down the fort, that says a lot about where things are with Aiyuk.”

Cooper’s recent numbers don’t scream elite — 547 yards and 4 TDs in 2024 across stints with the Browns and Bills — but insiders say his chemistry with quarterbacks and route precision remain top-tier. For Brock Purdy, coming off a massive $265M extension, having a calm, proven route-runner in crunch time might be more valuable than another burner with a question mark beside his name.

Still, fans are split. Is this a shrewd insurance policy? Or a quiet transition plan?

One thing’s for sure: the 49ers’ WR room just got a lot more crowded — and a lot more complicated.