Now’s Not the Time To Panic Over Amari Cooper
Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
There has been a ton of chatter this offseason across the NFL about wide receivers holding out for new contracts. The Cleveland Browns’ Amari Cooper is one such wideout. While missing OTAs might have gained Cooper some leverage, showing that he’s serious about wanting to renegotiate his deal, there shouldn’t be a whole lot of concern about him holding out long-term just yet.
Cooper is heading into the last year of a five-year contract that he originally signed with the Dallas Cowboys, who shipped him off to the Browns following Year 2 of the deal. There wasn’t a whole lot of chatter about Cooper during the offseason until he skipped mandatory minicamp. His absence created headlines about a holdout, but comments by Browns’ general manager Andrew Berry should put some of the worry to bay.
Berry believes he is still a top-tier wide receiver, and he is confident that they will be able to navigate the business part. “What I will say about Amari is since he’s been a member of the Cleveland Browns, he’s obviously been a high-level, Pro Bowl-caliber receiver,” Berry said, via NFL Media. “But he’s also a great teammate and he’s a great professional. We’re happy to have him as a member of the organization.
“All teams will have periods where they go through this type of situation, but it does not change our affinity for Amari. We’ll navigate the business considerations, the business aspects, as it goes, but he is a big part of our team, and just as important, he’s a big part of our culture.”
Cooper is entering his 10th season in the NFL and while some wide receivers across the league are slowing down at that part of their career, that hasn’t been the case for the former Alabama standout. Last season, Cooper had one of the best years of his career, racking up 72 receptions for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns.
The Browns improved the wide receiver room this season, trading for Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos for a fifth and sixth-round pick. But Jeudy wasn’t brought in to replace Cooper; it was to add a weapon on top of Cooper. Jeudy should be a very good addition to the team, but the team couldn’t feel comfortable if he suddenly becomes the No. 1 option heading into 2024.
Deshaun Watson is entering a make-or-break year in Cleveland, and the Browns want to have as many playmakers surrounding him as possible. Watson has also made his love for Cooper clear, which is one reason many believe the deal will be done sooner rather than later.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot appeared on 92.3 The Fan and shared those feelings about a long-term deal getting done. “When Deshaun Watson goes to bat for a player like that, and says he’s the best in the game, I think that’s telling,” Cabot said. “He’s putting his two cents in for the Browns to get this thing done. … That was his vote of confidence in Amari Cooper, saying we need him on this football team to get done what we want to.”
She also believes the two sides might not be far apart on a contract in terms of money and length. “Both sides should be able to find a path forward here,” Cabot said. “I think there is a number that should work for both sides. I think there is a length of contract that they can both feel comfortable with.”
The Browns believe this is a year that they can compete for a Super Bowl, and to do that, they know they need Cooper involved and playing at a high level. Watson’s contract does limit how much the Browns can offer, but the Browns can get creative to make it work. Even if the Browns have to pay a little more than they are hoping, they need to get a deal done.
Fortunately, Cooper has also never been one to cause a whole lot of controversy, so even though he’s holding out, it would be highly unlikely that he’s going to try and make this a protracted distraction. All signs point towards him wanting to sign a long-term deal with Cleveland, and that should be done before training camp. Until we start hearing otherwise, take a deep breath and assume both sides will find a way to make this work.
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