The Cleveland Browns are navigating a delicate situation with their star wide receiver, Amari Cooper, who has conspicuously been absent from offseason workouts, including the mandatory minicamp. This notable absence raises concerns about a potential holdout, especially as Cooper enters the final year of his five-year, $100 million extension that he initially signed with the Dallas Cowboys back in 2020.
Amari Cooper, who led the Browns with 128 targets last season despite playing only 15 games, has not been forthcoming about his absence. When asked about it, Cooper said very little, but his actions speak volumes. His refusal to engage in a foot race challenge due to concerns about injury — specifically, the risk of pulling a hamstring — underscores his cautious approach. Any injury at this stage could jeopardize what are clearly important, ongoing negotiations.
Cooper's impressive performance last season saw him achieve career highs in receiving yards with 1,250 and yards per catch at 17.4, numbers that have only bolstered his market value. According to Spotrac, his market value stands at $88.289 million over four years, with an average annual salary of $22 million. This puts Cooper in a strong negotiating position, something he's evidently aware of, as he stated, "I'm trying to get paid this year."
Deshaun Watson's Praise
Quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has had to adjust to different wide receivers over the years, could not be more complimentary of Cooper. "He's the best in the game, and I believe that. He shows it each and every year. He showed it the last two years with different quarterbacks. So, I think you got to put him up there, if not the best," Watson said. Such glowing praise from the team's quarterback is indicative of Cooper's integral role within the squad.
Front Office and Coaching Insights
General Manager Andrew Berry also weighed in on Cooper’s importance to the team, describing him as "a big part of our culture," "high-level," "Pro Bowl-caliber," "a great teammate," and "a great professional." These descriptors highlight just how valuable Cooper is to the team's on-field success and overall environment.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, meanwhile, offered a glimmer of optimism, stating that there has "been a dialogue" between Cooper and the team. This suggests that while there may be some friction, lines of communication remain open, providing some hope that a resolution may be achieved before training camp begins.
Potential Consequences
The potential holdout of Amari Cooper looms as a significant storyline for the Browns as they prepare for the upcoming season. Given his pivotal role in their offense and the positive endorsements from key figures within the organization, any prolonged absence could have substantial ramifications. As it stands, Cooper is subject to fines for missing mandatory team activities, an issue that could escalate if an agreement isn't reached soon.
As the situation develops, the Browns will need to navigate these negotiations delicately, balancing Cooper's individual aspirations with the collective needs of the team. Only time will tell how this delicate dance will play out, but one thing is clear: Amari Cooper’s presence on the field is critical to the Browns' aspirations for success in the coming season.