Browns WR Amari Cooper reiterates desire ‘to get paid this year’

5-time Professional Bowl extensive receiver Amari Cooper was absent from the Browns’ obligatory minicamp for one cause: He desires a brand new deal heading into the ultimate yr of his present contract.

Cooper reiterated his want to receives a commission throughout a latest interplay caught on digital camera.

“I would pull a hammy or one thing attempting to race you,” Cooper said through the betting firm Betr. “I am attempting to receives a commission this yr.”

The 30-year-old is greater than deserving; he has been nothing in need of productive since becoming a member of Cleveland in 2022. Over the previous two years, he has posted 150 catches for two,410 yards and 14 touchdowns.

In March, normal supervisor Andrew Berry stated he wished to maintain Cooper with the Browns for so long as attainable.

“[Amari] Cooper’s a Professional Bowl-caliber receiver. He is performed rather well for us the previous two years,” Berry said through Keith Britton of 92.3 The Fan. “He is a powerful presence within the locker room. We love him. Gamers like that, you wish to just be sure you can retain so long as attainable.”

If Cleveland desires to maintain Cooper long-term, why hasn’t the crew reached a cope with him?

It may very well be because of the booming extensive receiver market. A number of have already obtained large paydays this offseason, highlighted by the Minnesota Vikings making Justin Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback within the league with a four-year extension value $140 million.

Cooper would not demand that sort of cash, however he is aware of his worth. No participant outdoors of Cooper eclipsed 650 receiving yards for the Browns final season.

Cleveland hopes that modifications this yr with extensive receiver Jerry Jeudy, whom the crew traded for in March. Nevertheless, even he has been inconsistent by means of the primary 4 years of his NFL profession.

Solely time will inform if the Browns are prepared to present Cooper the payday he is searching for, however his absence may prolong deeper into the summer season if the 2 sides cannot discover a compromise quickly.