Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper did not get a contract extension.
But he did get a raise for the final year of his deal and a guarantee after holding out of minicamp.
Cooper and the Browns agreed to restructure the final year of his five-year, $100 million deal to guarantee the $20 million remaining on the contract and add an additional $5 million to his salary, according to multiple reports.
Cooper missed minicamp in June with an unexcused absence amid a spike in salaries with new contracts for some of the league’s top receivers including Justin Jefferson (4 years, $140 million), A.J. Brown (three years, $96 million) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (four years, $120 million). The Browns traded for former Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and signed him to a three-year, $58 million extension in the spring.
A five-time Pro Bowler, Cooper was Cleveland’s most reliable and productive offense player amid a chaotic 2023 season that saw the Browns start five different quarterbacks. Cooper posted 72 catches for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. His receiving yardage total ranked 10th in the NFL.
Cooper, 30, is approaching the end of his prime earning years and enters the final year of his contract without long-term security. He’s slated to be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
The Browns are coming off an 11-6 season that saw them make the playoffs despite the instability at quarterback. Starter Deshaun Watson is healthy and expected to return from the shoulder injury that limited him to six games last season. The Browns project to contend for the AFC North crown and beyond.