Browns Open To Extending WR Amari Cooper?
Over the course of his two-year contract with the Browns, Amari Cooper has established himself as a valuable asset to the offense, but Deshaun Watson’s two-year stay has not gone as expected. With one year left on his deal, the latter is preparing for what may be a free agent era in 2025.
By then, though, he might have signed a new contract with the Browns. Cooper, who has void years remaining on his contract, will bear a cap cost of $23.78MM in 2024 and an additional $7.55MM the following season. Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry recently discussed this.
Berry stated that Cooper is a receiver worthy of a Pro Bowl (via Keith Britton of 92.3 The Fan). He has performed admirably for us over the last two years. He has a commanding presence in the changing area. We adore him. You want to make sure you can hold onto players like them for as long as possible.
According to no reports, Cooper’s team or the player are considering holding more contract negotiations. However, given Berry’s position, it would not be shocking if talks were held with the goal of retaining the 29-year-old for many years to come. Between his two seasons with the Browns, Cooper has amassed a 150-2,410-14 statline, making him the team’s undisputed #1 receiving option. That is significant in light of Cleveland’s attempts to acquire Calvin Ridley through trades, and their eventual acquisition of Cooper from the Cowboys for a fifth-round pick and two sixth-round picks.
Considering his background, the five-time Pro Bowler will still have high expectations in 2024, but Cleveland has added a significant player at wide out. This offseason, the Browns acquired Jerry Jeudy for two Day 3 picks, the former first-round pick of the Broncos. Shortly afterward, a restructuring and a three-year extension were negotiated, with the potential worth of up to $58 million.
Given the money spent on Jeudy, Watson, and tight end David Njoku (who is signed for two more seasons), a new contract with Cooper would further complicate the Browns’ offensive budgetary situation. The latter is due $20MM this season; he would undoubtedly remain near the top of the receiver market were there to be an extension. There is still plenty of time for talks to take place, and it will be interesting to watch if either side moves forward with them in the summer or as the 2024 campaign develops.
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