Browns Rival Bengals Tee Higgins Signs Franchise Tender; Amari Cooper Next To Get Paid?

The wide receiver position in the NFL has gotten more expensive this offseason with a number of top-tier pass catchers signing outlandish contracts. Is Cleveland Browns wideout Amari Cooper next?

Cooper enters the final season of a four-year, $80 million deal he signed with the Dallas Cowboys before he was traded away to Cleveland. And his next contract could be significant.

Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) runs the ball along the sideline for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown signed a four-year, $120 million deal back in April that included $77 million in guaranteed money. Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins recently inked a three-year, $72.75 million contract with $52 million guaranteed. And in Miami, Dolphins wideout Jaylen Waddle signed a three-year deal worth $84.75 million with a $76 million guarantee.

Closer to home in the AFC North, Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tee Higgins signed his franchise tag that will pay him a guaranteed $21.8 million for 2024.

But the biggest deal of all came in Minnesota, where WR1 Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million deal that set a new market for NFL receivers.

Cooper is currently holding out while awaiting an extension before he plays a contract year with an uncertain future.

The former Alabama pass catcher isn't in danger of receiving Jefferson-type money, but his next contract will be a significant raise. Cooper is just coming off a career-best 1,250 yards with five touchdowns and 72 receptions in his ninth season in the league.

Cooper also became the first Browns wideout in history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.

While Cooper turns 30 on Monday, he's not getting younger, and his performance could start declining soon. But he's still the best option at receiver for the Browns, and they should do whatever they can to retain him past next season.