The Cleveland Browns are facing a potential turbulent offseason as star wide receiver Amari Cooper remains absent from both voluntary workouts and the mandatory minicamp. Speculations arise as Cooper enters the final year of his lucrative five-year, $100 million contract extension, initially inked with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020.
A Potential Holdout Looms
The crux of the issue appears to be financial, with Cooper making his stance unambiguously clear. "I'm trying to get paid this year," he reportedly remarked, indicating a push for a new contract as his current deal nears its end. The wide receiver's absence, while officially unexplained, aligns with typical contract renegotiation tactics, leading to inevitable fines for missing mandatory team activities.
General manager Andrew Berry acknowledged Cooper’s significant role within the team, describing him as "a big part of our culture," "high-level," and "Pro Bowl-caliber." Berry's accolades extend beyond performance, praising Cooper as "a great teammate" and "a great professional." These statements underscore the Browns' desire to maintain a positive relationship, despite the tension surrounding Cooper’s contract situation.
Record Performance Fuels Negotiations
Adding intensity to the situation, Cooper is coming off a career-best season. He racked up 1,250 receiving yards and achieved an impressive 17.4 yards per catch, despite playing in only 15 games. His contributions were pivotal, as he led the team with 128 targets, establishing himself as a vital asset to the Browns' offensive strategy. Deshaun Watson, the team's quarterback, couldn't hold back his admiration, "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."
Concerns About Injury
Cooper's cautious approach towards his health further complicates the scenario. He declined a foot race challenge, citing the risk of injury, particularly a hamstring pull, which could jeopardize future negotiations. This wariness is not unwarranted, given the physical demands and high stakes of professional football.
Ongoing Dialogue
Head coach Kevin Stefanski offered a glimpse into the ongoing negotiations, mentioning that there has "been a dialogue" between Cooper and the team. While the specifics of these discussions remain under wraps, the open channels of communication hint at potential breakthroughs before training camp.
Despite the adversarial nature of contract negotiations, both sides appear to recognize Cooper’s irreplaceable value to the team. Spotrac, a sports contract analysis website, pegs Cooper's market value at $88.289 million over four years, with an average annual salary of $22 million, placing him among the elite wide receivers in the NFL.
As the Browns and Cooper navigate this financial impasse, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether one of the league's top receivers will take the field come fall or whether a holdout might put a dent in the Browns' aspirations for the upcoming season.