NFL insider reports contract struggle brewing between Amari Cooper and Browns
Amari Cooper had been watching the strife between players and their front office across the league like everyone else. However, the wide receiver jumped into the headlines at mandatory minicamp by voluntarily skipping the practices. According to one Browns insider, the reason for the absence was related to his contract.
According to Browns Wire, Browns insider Brad Stainbrook of 247Sports claimed the team and Cooper are currently disagreeing on the number of years to extend the wide receiver. Cooper wants two more years of runway while the Browns want to add just one year.
As it stands, Cooper is heading into the final year of his deal signed in 2020 with the Dallas Cowboys. When he was traded to the Browns, the franchise took over but did not rewrite the deal. Now, the wide receiver wants security deeper into his 30s.
If the contract goes the Browns' way, Cooper will get an extension that runs out after the 2025 season. If that happens, the wide receiver will enter free agency ahead of an age-32 season.
However, if Cooper gets his way, his deal will run through the 2026 season. Then, he would be a free agent at 33 years old. While plenty of receivers find a way to play past that age, it also serves as a potential retirement age for Cooper.
Amari Cooper trends up heading into season at age 30
Of course, the wide receiver's reasoning for a longer extension is his production with the Browns. In 2022, he turned in 1160 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2023, he earned a career-high 1250 yards and five touchdowns.
Additionally, he can argue that he earned at least 1000 yards in four of the last five seasons. In his two seasons of 1000 yards with the Browns, most of those came without Deshaun Watson.
If Watson can stay healthy, the trend points to a massive jump in at least 2024. While many argue that the cut off of a receiver's health related to age is 30, 31 is really the age of decline. As such, if the Browns are truly all-in, they should have no trouble mortgaging the future to get Watson a potential 1500-yard Amari Cooper in 2024.
Of course, the Cleveland Browns hold the ultimate decision in the palm of their hand. Will they cave to Cooper's demands?