Veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper held out of Cleveland Browns OTA practices and mandatory minicamp while looking for a contract extension. Cleveland has been trying to get something done with Cooper though they have not been able to at this point.
Browns Insider Mary Kay Cabot reported that the team still hopes to get something done before training camp starts.
“The Browns hope to reach a contract agreement with Cooper before the start of camp next week so he doesn’t have to miss a beat. The two sides have been in contact, and are trying to strike a deal Cooper feels good about heading into his third season here. He’s set to make $20 million this season in the final year of his contract, and wants to be closer to his elite peers, who are now making anywhere from about $24 million a year to $35 million”
Having Cooper with the team to start training camp is crucial as the team looks to reshape their offense. Deshaun Watson will need all the reps he can get with his top guys to hit the ground running at the start of the 2024 season.
I still believe Cooper is a top-10 player in his position and has earned a pay increase. The team knows how valuable he is to this offense, and I think they will get something done with him soon.