Five-time Pro Bowler wide receiver Amari Cooper was absent at minicamp and could seek a trade this offseason. According to a report, many sources are adding him to the list of wideouts skipping workouts, including CeeDee Lamb, Tee Higgins and Brandon Aiyuk. However, this is a different situation for Cooper since plans to play out his final year with the Browns after signing a five-year contract. Aiyuk and the other rookie receivers are looking for their first deal out of their rookie contracts.
Cooper’s situation is an interesting one to debate since he isn’t getting any younger. The Browns may consider trading him since it would be wise to get something in return for him. Cooper has a $20 million base salary this season and will count $23.8 million against the cap. However, Cleveland moving on from Cooper would mean they lose one of their reliable pass-catchers even though they had struggles with consistent quarterback play.
Cooper set career-highs in receiving yards and yards per reception in 15 starts last year so it’s hard to imagine seeing this as his last season with the team. He surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in seven of his first nine seasons, including his first two years with the Browns. Age could work against Cooper’s favor from reaching another long-term deal but they would be foolish to let him walk in free agency. However, the age doesn’t matter considering that Davante Adams, Mike Evans, Keenan Allen and DeAndre Hopkins are still playing over 30.
It may come down to the salary cap situation to see if the Browns have a little bit of wiggle room to extend Cooper. The smart decision the Browns could make is putting him on the trade block, especially since he’ll hit fines with this holdout.
Five-Time Pro Bowler Amari Cooper Absent at Minicamp, Could Seek Trade
Potential Trade Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
A Cooper reunion could be on the horizon with America’s team. It was a shock when the Cowboys decided to trade him a few seasons ago to the Browns. Many talking heads were scratching and thinking about why they had done this. However, Lamb’s future looks to be in question so they may as well bring a familiar face to the team with Brandin Cooks. The Cowboys don’t have a lot of big-time playmakers since KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Tolbert bring short-term relief.
However, this would allow Cooper and Dak Prescott to rebuild the chemistry they had. It’s still one thinking why they let Cooper go in the first place. Cooks has been in a few trade rumors so they may use him in a trade package to get their star receiver back in Dallas.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs were able to get Mecole Hardman back but on a one-year basis. They haven’t had any realistic receiver since letting Tyreek Hill sign with the Dolphins. However, they should consider thinking about bringing in Cooper to establish him as their wideout for a long time. Xavier Worthy isn’t going to adjust to the offense overnight as well as Marquise Brown. They need a veteran who can make plays and someone who they can learn from while Rashee Rice misses some playing time.
Cooper is all about making plays on the field even though he doesn’t have a good quarterback. One can imagine what he can do with arguably one of the best quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes.
Baltimore Ravens
It should be wise for the Ravens to consider trading for a playmaker after letting Odell Beckham Jr. depart. Rashod Bateman isn’t getting it done alone as the deep threat and slot receiver. Cooper would be able to pick up at least one of those positions. However, it would be smart to place him on the opposite end of Zay Flowers to give Lamar Jackson a complete package of weapons.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh needs to bring in a big-time pass-catcher to help move the ball. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen departing is going to be a tough transition for Justin Herbert. Cooper’s situation could give the Chargers some relief to help Quentin Johnson and Josh Palmer.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints don’t have anyone except Chris Olave who still needs an opposing receiver to help him. Rashid Shaheed might be promising but you can’t count on him. Cooper would bring experience and familiarity to Derek Carr who’s heading into the second season with New Orleans.
