Add Amari Cooper to the list of wide receivers skipping minicamp while looking for a new contract. Cooper was not there when the Cleveland Browns’ required minicamp got underway on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The multi-time pro bowler may be fined a total of $101,716 under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement if he misses all three days.
He did miss all three days and is subject to fines. Tuesday the first day of the minicamp the Browns said they were treating the no-show as an unexcused absence. Cooper was in Cleveland last weekend to attend teammate David Njokus’s charity softball game. However, he did not attend camp.
Looking For New Deals
Cooper is the latest receiver to miss minicamp. Following in the footsteps of Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals, CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys, and Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers. Cooper’s circumstances differ from those of the other receivers. He signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension in March 2020. While still a player for the Dallas Cowboys, and he is scheduled to play out the last season of that deal.
Following their rookie deals, Aiyuk, Lamb, and Higgins are requesting their first contract extensions. Because he hasn’t accepted the Cincinnati Bengals’ $21.8 million franchise tender. Higgins isn’t currently bound to a deal. Lamb is about to start his last season as a rookie. Aiyuk has a contract that expires in 2025.
Amari Cooper’s Cleveland Records
During his 15 starts last season, the five-time Pro Bowler set career highs in receiving yards (1,250) and yards per reception (17.4). In seven of his first nine seasons—including his first two in Cleveland—he has topped the 1,000-yard plateau. Cooper will count $23.8 million against the cap this season in addition to his $20 million base salary. He is still among the NFL’s most dependable ball catchers, despite the Browns’ inability to obtain steady quarterback play.
Amari Cooper’s Age
Cooper’s age might also be a disadvantage in negotiations with the Browns for a contract. On June 17, he turns 30. Only five receivers Mike Evans, Keenan Allen, Davante Adams, DeAndre Hopkins, and Adam Thielen were 30 years of age or older at the end of the 2023 season and ended with at least 1,000 yards.
Early reports are that the Browns and Amari Cooper have talked about reaching a new contract agreement. Both sides are said to be apart but not at war. There is no timetable on when a deal could be done between Cooper and the Browns. However, many believe that this mini holdout will not lead into the pre-season or even regular season. At the moment it’s about reaching numbers both sides can agree on.
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