Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper did not receive a contract extension, but did receive a raise for the final year of his deal and a guarantee after not participating in minicamp.
Cooper and the Browns agreed to restructure the final year of his five-year, $100 million contract to guarantee the remaining $20 million on the contract and add an additional $5 million to his salary, According to multiple reports.
Cooper missed June’s minicamp with an unexcused absence amid a surge in salaries with new contracts for some of the league’s top receivers, including Justin Jefferson (four years, $140 million), AJ 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 contract extension in the spring.
Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowler, was Cleveland’s most reliable and productive offensive player amid a chaotic 2023 season in which the Browns had five different starting quarterbacks. Cooper recorded 72 receptions for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. His receiving yardage total ranked 10th in the NFL.
Cooper, 30, is nearing the end of his prime earning years and entering the final year of his contract with no long-term guarantees. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
The Browns are coming off an 11-6 season that saw them make the playoffs despite 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 compete for the AFC North crown and beyond.
