$100 million receiver Amari Cooper‘s contract extension talks are not close and he could seek a trade this offseason. According to a source, the Cleveland Browns are not in a rush to extend the veteran wideout who is heading into the final year of his contract. Cooper has proven to be a steal for the team, who sent just a fifth-round and sixth-round swap to the Dallas Cowboys in 2022. However, the time is ticking for a new deal but there’s been little to no talks of that happening.
The Alabama product has notched 2,410 yards and 14 touchdowns over the last two years with the Browns. He’s entering age 30 and he has an excellent track number of injuries in his career. According to a source, they may wait on giving Cooper a long-term extension considering the plague of injuries he’s been going to before. Many talking heads notice that most players in the league when they receive a contract, either stop performing well or suffer an injury.
This is something the Browns are trying to avoid as they already traded for Jerry Jeudy this offseason to add some firepower to the group. However, Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry is still hinting at a possible extension for the five-time Pro Bowler.
“Look, Coop is a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver,” he said. “He’s played really well for us the past two years. He’s a strong presence in the locker room. We love him. So players like that, you want to make sure that you can retain as long as possible and we’ll work through all of that at the appropriate times.”
The Browns may feel that way but does Cooper desire the same? The Browns only had one good season during Cooper’s debut in Cleveland.
$100 Million Receiver Amari Cooper Extension “Not Close,” Could Seek Trade
Let the Fireworks Begin
Cooper has been thriving under the Browns’ lackluster passing game last season despite catching balls from four different quarterbacks. This isn’t stopping his production as it’s no surprise that he could request a trade. The Alabama product can only do so much to help lead an offense to the Promise Land so he may want to find somewhere to win a ring. His standout performance comes against playoff contender, the Houston Texans after recording 11 catches for 265 yards which is a franchise single-record.
The Browns are still hoping to give Cooper a reliable starter come week one this year. However, the time is ticking for the 30-year-old and frustrations may begin. No one should be surprised if Cooper requests for a trade next month as the Browns already seem to be moving on. Watson is expected to come back as they both have chemistry after he recorded 51 catches for 870 yards and four touchdowns in four games.
However, the arrival of Jeudy could complicate the offense and it could mean fewer targets for Cooper. The Browns were able to execute a trade for him and an extension that keeps him on the team for three additional years. Here are some potential trade destinations for Cooper
Potential Trade Destinations
The Chiefs seem like the right fit for anyone who wants to ring chase in their career. Rashee Rice is participating in team activities but he’s one trouble away from his release. However, Cooper would be the perfect fit to have Marquise Brown focus on the slot alongside Kadarius Toney. Baltimore on the other hand needs some firepower to help lead them to a Super Bowl again.
They have Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman who signed an extension but trading for Cooper means that Bateman can go back to the slot. The Ravens need some type of veteran to accommodate the young offense they’re developing after Odell Beckham Jr’s departure. Los Angeles still needs some type of upgrade after releasing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen since they’re getting about any receiver.
They had an opportunity to make a splash this offseason since many reliable receivers were available for a while. Cooper would be a nice upgrade from Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer.
