Speculation Rising Cleveland Browns Could Be Back in On Brandon Aiyuk Trade

Speculation is beginning to rise that the Cleveland Browns could be back in on a Brandon Aiyuk trade.

Jan 7, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) celebrates after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. / Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns were heavily involved in trade discussions for San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk not too long ago. In fact, the two teams even had a trade agreed to if Aiyuk would approve it.

At that point in time, Aiyuk did not approve the deal. Now, there is speculation beginning to rise that the Browns could be back in play for Aiyuk.

Following the big move to restrcuture quarterback Deshaun Waton's contract, Cleveland opened up a lot of cap space. Some think that the move could have been made to bring in Aiyuk.

Nick Paulus of ESPN Cleveland was one of the people who floated the idea on X.

Brandon Aiyuk back in play for the Browns?#DawgPound https://t.co/7vsz2jK0xq

— Nick Paulus (@NickPaulus) August 29, 2024

Here are a few other tweets from people speculating about the possibility.

The interest-free loan stuff that some are talking about gets only realized if the Browns spend the $35M in cap this year. I think this should be clear.

So...they go for Aiyuk?

— Timo Riske (@PFF_Moo) August 29, 2024

👀👀👀 are the Browns in on the Aiyuk sweepstakes https://t.co/xpHGYmRGPK

— Leger Douzable (@LegerDouzable) August 29, 2024

The #Browns now have $62 million in cap space, after restructuring QB Deshaun Watson's contract.

Is #49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk finally getting traded to Cleveland? 👀 pic.twitter.com/LKUAM11Jty

— The Fantasy Football Know It Alls (@FF_Know_It_Alls) August 29, 2024

Obviously, this is all speculation at this point in time. There is a very good chance that the Browns will not get back involved in trade talks for Aiyuk. However, it is very clear that they were heavily interested in him.

Aiyuk would be a massive addition for the Cleveland offense. He racked up 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

At 26 years old, he would offer the Browns a long-term No. 1 wide receiver.

Back when the trade talks were at their peak, the trade offer that Cleveland gave the 49ers was leaked. They were offering Amari Cooper, a second-round pick, and a fifth-round pick. San Francisco had reportedly agreed to those trade terms, which would likely be the case on the same deal a second time around.

All of that being said, fans can only wait and see what the Browns have planned with their new cap space. It seems that they might be opening things up trying to make some kind of move.

Could they try to get back involved in the Aiyuk trade sweepstakes? It would make a lot of sense.