Donedeal: the Browns extend contract with there top star player ….
Amari Cooper received none.
The top wide receiver in Cleveland, Cooper, did not show up for the required minicamp’s first day on Tuesday. This is probably because Cooper, who is approaching the end of his contract, is trying to get the Browns to extend his deal.
Cooper’s absence was not justified, according to coach Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski deferred to general manager Andrew Berry when asked whether the soon-to-be 30-year-old had requested additional money from the organization.
“I recognize that these circumstances do arise,” Stefanski remarked. “I’ll really keep those kinds of conversations and Amari and Amari’s agent, AB (Berry), alone.”
Chafie Fields, Cooper’s agent, and the Browns have reportedly spoken, according to Stefanski.
Cooper, a top NFL route runner, will earn $20 million in this season, the final of a five-year, $100 million contract he inked with Dallas. While he’s not in the Browns’ facilities, he might be fined.
In accordance with the collective bargaining agreement, Cooper’s first-day fine is $16,953. The Browns have the right to punish him more than $100,000 if he misses all three days of the minicamp.
Fields did not immediately answer the Associated Press’s request for comment.
In need of a premier playmaker, the Browns traded for Cooper prior to the 2022 season from the Cowboys, who were looking to release him from their contract. He has become one of the Browns’ most potent leaders both on and off the field after posting three seasons in a row with 1,000 yards.
Watson declared, “He’s the best in the league.” He demonstrates it annually. He demonstrated it the previous two seasons with other quarterbacks, therefore in my opinion, you have to rank him among the greatest.
Considering the huge contracts wide receivers across the league are signing, Cooper’s absence isn’t all that shocking. Jaylen Waddle of Miami (three years, $85 million) and Justin Jefferson of Minnesota (four years, $140 million) both inked enormous contracts.
Additionally, the Browns signed wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to a three-year, $52 million contract before he even played a game in Cleveland, making a significant investment in him.
Cooper participated in the charity softball game for Browns tight end David Njoku while he was in Cleveland over the weekend.
When asked about Cooper’s circumstances, Watson responded, “We all respect Coop and he’s got to handle what he’s got to handle.” Nobody is staring at him any differently. We had a great time visiting him this past weekend, and we all support him.
Cooper made his fifth Pro Bowl the previous season and had 72 receptions for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns. He spent ten seasons with the Raiders, Cowboys, and Browns, amassing 9,486 yards and sixty touchdowns.
Regarding Watson, he is pleased with his recovery following significant shoulder surgery in November. He has been throwing every other day and is adhering to a regimen devised by his physicians and the medical staff of the Browns.
When Watson threw for the first time with reporters observing him a week ago, he displayed better velocity on a few short passes.
Watson jumped into multiple throws during a 7-on-7 scrimmage that seemed to have their typical zi
When training camp begins next month, Watson said, “Everything’s been going pretty smooth.” He is unsure if he will be subject to any restrictions. “Not trying to get ahead of myself, just taking each day as it comes.” I feel like I’m in the perfect place and am at ease.
Stefanski has seen that Watson has improved noticeably in a number of areas.
He remarked, “Obviously, he’s done everything that he’s allowed to do and has done from a rehab standpoint.” “We advance when the physicians and trainers say we can. He has, I believe, been a decent patient in that sense.
“However, he keeps making progress in the building, the weight room, and this area of the grass.”
NOTES: According to Stefanski, Jeudy stayed inside “working through some things” while recovering from a minor injury. Watson plans to spend the time leading up to training camp working with his receivers, just as he did the last two summers. He refused to give away where it was. Stefanski could not provide a timeline for the return of tackles Dawand Jones, Jedrick Wills Jr., or Jack Conklin, who are all recovering from serious injuries.
