The absence of veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper on the first day of mandatory minicamp for the Cleveland Browns has raised some eyebrows, signaling a potential contract holdout looming over the team.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Cooper’s absence was notable as the Browns kicked off their minicamp. While there’s no explicit indication that Cooper is dissatisfied with his current situation, it’s worth noting that he’s heading into the final year of the lucrative five-year, $100 million contract he inked with the Cowboys back in 2020.
Cooper’s contract situation adds an intriguing layer to the Browns’ offseason dynamics. With a hefty $20 million base salary for 2024, as reported by Over The Cap, in addition to the significant prorated signing bonus of $3.776 million, Cooper finds himself in a pivotal juncture of his career. What further complicates matters is the absence of any guaranteed portion in his salary, making his future with the Browns uncertain.
As the Browns navigate through minicamp and beyond, the resolution of Cooper’s contract dilemma will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as it could have significant implications for the team’s offensive firepower in the upcoming season.