The Cleveland Browns may be facing a significant challenge this coming NFL season, as star wide receiver Amari Cooper has not participated in offseason workouts or the mandatory minicamp. This development raises questions about his future with the team and hints at the possibility of a holdout if a new deal is not reached before training camp.
Cooper is entering the final year of a five-year, $100 million extension he originally signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. Despite the looming potential for disputes, Cooper has remained tight-lipped on the matter. However, his absence from crucial team activities implies dissatisfaction with his current contract situation. "I'm trying to get paid this year," Cooper was quoted as saying, underlying his intentions clearly.
Possible Holdout Looms
As the mandatory team activities progressed without Cooper's presence, the star receiver is now subject to fines. If a deal cannot be reached by the time training camp starts, the situation could escalate, and Cooper might opt to hold out. This scenario is particularly worrying for the Browns, considering Cooper's impressive performance last season, where he recorded career highs in receiving yards (1,250) and yards per catch (17.4), leading the team with 128 targets over 15 games.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned that there has "been a dialogue" between Cooper and the team, suggesting efforts are being made to address the issue. Meanwhile, general manager Andrew Berry described Cooper as "a big part of our culture," "high-level," "Pro Bowl-caliber," "a great teammate" and "a great professional," indicating the Browns' desire to keep him on the roster.
Injury Concerns Add to the Complexity
Cooper's recent actions reveal a cautious approach towards his physical health, likely influenced by the ongoing contract negotiations. He declined a foot race challenge, citing concerns about injury risks such as pulling a hamstring, which could jeopardize his future negotiations. This pragmatism underscores the high stakes of his current situation, where one wrong move could have significant financial implications.
Team’s Standpoint and Leadership’s Praise
Quarterback Deshaun Watson praised Cooper's abilities, further emphasizing the wide receiver's value to the team. "He's the best in the game, and I believe that," Watson stated. "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." This endorsement from the team’s quarterback highlights Cooper's consistent high performance and importance in different circumstances, making his continued presence critical for the Browns' offense.
Cooper's market value, according to Spotrac, stands at $88.289 million over four years, with an average annual salary of $22 million. This figure provides a potential benchmark for the ongoing negotiations, pointing towards the financial factors both sides need to consider.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Browns can secure their star receiver for the long term or whether they will face the season without one of their key offensive players. As the dialogue continues, the Cleveland Browns and their fans will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that keeps Amari Cooper in Cleveland, contributing both on and off the field.