Browns WR Amari Cooper sends 7-word message on contract impasse

Amari Cooper has broken his silence amid a contract dispute with the Cleveland Browns and the Pro Bowl receiver’s intentions are clear.

Cooper wants to make money this year and is not willing to take any risks in pursuing that goal. He skipped OTAs and mandatory minicamp in June to send a message that he wants an extension. Cooper is entering the final year of a five-year, $100 million contract he signed while with the Dallas Cowboys.

Cooper hasn’t been heard from this offseason. However, he briefly appeared in a social media clip where he is encouraged to run. Cooper says he’s not trying to get hurt in the middle of contract negotiations.

“I’m trying to get paid this year,” Cooper said.

Cooper has a lot of leverage in negotiations after one of the best years of his career. He caught 72 passes for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns.

Additionally, the Browns don’t have a reliable option to replace his production currently on the roster. Cooper, 30, wants to capitalize on his big year and secure his future.

Browns at odds with Amari Cooper over contract length

Cooper is set to make around $20 million next season. With receiver contracts skyrocketing around the league, he’d like a raise. However, according to Brad Stainbrook of theOBR.com, the main sticking point for Cooper is the length of the contract.

“Negotiations are ongoing but money is not the main issue. The Browns are willing to give Cooper a pay raise for this season,” Stainbrook said on June 17. “The sticking point is the length of the agreement. The Browns have yet to offer Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper a contract extension longer than one year.

One of Cooper’s defenders is quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has not hesitated to place his No. 1 receiver among the best around.

“He’s the best in the game and I believe that,” Watson said of Cooper on June 11. “He shows it every year. He showed it the last two years with different quarterbacks. So, I think you have to put it up there, if not the best.

Browns hope Amari Cooper situation can be resolved

Cooper is a no-nonsense star for the Browns. He has no drama off the field and takes care of his business on the field. Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry said the latest dispute hasn’t spoiled Cooper’s team or what he brings to the table.

“What I will say about Amari is since he’s been a member of the Cleveland Browns, he’s obviously been a high-level, Pro Bowl-caliber receiver,” Berry said during an appearance on the 17 June on NFL Network. “But he is also an excellent teammate and a great professional. We are happy to have him as a member of the organization.

“Sometimes all teams will have periods where they go through this type of situation, but that doesn’t change our affinity for Amari. We’ll address the business considerations, the business aspects, as we go, but he’s an integral part of our team and, just as importantly, he’s an integral part of our culture.

The Browns open the season on September 8 against the Cowboys.