BREAKING: $100 million trade involving 28-year-old WR key man and Cleveland Browns is still ongoing.
Amari Cooper, the wide receiver with a $100 million contract, is currently not close to extending his contract and may consider seeking a trade this offseason. Sources indicate that the Cleveland Browns, where Cooper has been playing under his current deal’s final year, aren’t rushing to negotiate an extension. Despite being a valuable asset acquired for relatively low draft picks from the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, talks about a new deal seem scarce.
In the past two seasons with the Browns, Cooper has amassed 2,410 yards and 14 touchdowns, showcasing his value on the field. However, approaching the age of 30 and having a history of injuries, the Browns might be hesitant to commit to a long-term extension. Observers note the common trend in the league where players either underperform or suffer injuries after securing hefty contracts.
To mitigate this risk, the Browns acquired Jerry Jeudy in the offseason to bolster their receiving corps. Still, General Manager Andrew Berry hints at the possibility of extending Cooper’s contract, acknowledging his Pro Bowl-level performance and leadership in the locker room.
While the Browns seem keen on retaining Cooper, it’s uncertain if he shares the same sentiment. Despite his individual success, the team has had only one standout season during his tenure in Cleveland.
$100 Million Receiver Amari Cooper Extension “Not Close,” Could Seek Trade
Let the Fireworks Begin
Despite facing challenges within the Browns’ inconsistent passing game last season, Cooper has continued to excel, even with the added difficulty of catching passes from four different quarterbacks. Given the circumstances, it’s understandable that he might contemplate requesting a trade. Cooper’s efforts can only go so far in elevating an offense, and he may be seeking a team with a better chance at championship contention.
One of his standout performances came against the playoff-contending Houston Texans, where he set a franchise single-game record with 11 catches for 265 yards.
While the Browns aim to have a reliable starting quarterback by week one of the upcoming season, time is running out for the 30-year-old receiver, and frustrations could mount. It wouldn’t be surprising if Cooper indeed seeks a trade next month, especially since the Browns appear to be preparing for a transition. The potential return of Deshaun Watson, with whom Cooper has developed chemistry, further complicates the situation, given their past success together.
The acquisition of Jerry Jeudy adds another layer of complexity to the Browns’ offense and could result in fewer targets for Cooper. Despite this, the Browns managed to secure Jeudy in a trade and extend his contract for an additional three years, indicating their commitment to him. Here are some potential destinations where Cooper could end up: [List potential trade destinations here].
Potential Trade Destinations
The Chiefs indeed have a reputation for attracting players looking to pursue championship rings, making them an enticing destination for someone like Cooper. With Rashee Rice’s precarious situation and Cooper’s potential fit, he could complement Marquise Brown and Kadarius Toney, allowing Brown to focus on the slot. Baltimore, aiming for another Super Bowl run, could benefit from Cooper’s firepower, especially given their young offensive core, including Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Acquiring Cooper could allow Bateman to shift back to the slot, providing a veteran presence after Odell Beckham Jr.’s departure.
In Los Angeles, the Chargers still seek upgrades post the releases of Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. Cooper could fill this void effectively, offering an improvement over Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer. Despite ample opportunities to bolster their receiving corps in the offseason, the Chargers have yet to make a significant splash, making Cooper’s addition all the more appealing.