Browns News: Amari Cooper Didn't Hold Back About His Absence at Minicamp
HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 13: Amari Cooper #2 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the field during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Cooper didn't mince words about wanting a new contract.
The Cleveland Browns are coming off a playoff berth last season, finishing the season with a record of 11-6. They dropped the wild-card game to the Houston Texans but found success while dealing with all sorts of injuries. Putting that aside, the Browns are looking forward to a healthier year all around the roster. The team believes that having more health will translate to another strong year and maybe more playoff success. It's a make-or-break year for Cleveland, so they have to make sure that they are on a united front on the field.
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However, things got off to a promising start for them during the mandatory offseason minicamp. Star wide receiver Amari Cooper was absent from the camp as he is looking for a new contract. This isn't a new practice from Cooper, but it is certainly something to monitor with the Browns. Cooper has been a professional while with the Browns but believes he is worth a new deal.
He didn't mince words when talking about why he decided to skip the mandatory camp.
"I'd pull a hammy or something trying to race you," Cooper said to an individual from the betting company Betr. "I'm trying to get paid this year."
Cooper is entering the final year of his current deal and likely wants more long-term security. He has been incredible for the Browns since being traded to the team, giving them a true No. 1 option on the edges of the offense. However, if Cooper plans to hold out, it could be detrimental to the chances this season. Nobody knows if he will indeed do that, but contract issues are always a possibility. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke about Cooper's absence, saying that it was not excused.
"These situations, I understand that they do come up," Stefanski said. "I'll really leave all of that between Amari, Amari's agent and AB (general manager Andrew Berry) and those type of conversations. Again, as you guys know, we focus on guys that are here. We'll get some good work in and really keep it at that."
Last season, Cooper had 72 catches for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns. He was a big reason the team made the postseason despite losing starting quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Nick Chubb to season-ending injuries. If they can agree with Cooper, it would go a long way. He likely will be on the field when the season starts, but nothing is guaranteed until we see him running onto the field of play suited up for a game.
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