Amari Cooper’s absence from Browns camp unexcused

Aug 27, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) warms up before the game between the Browns and the Chicago Bears at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper was a no-show Tuesday during the first day of his team’s mandatory minicamp, which raised some questions about his absence.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stated that Cooper was not excused by the team, per ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. Stefanski did not confirm whether or not Cooper’s absence was contract-related but added that “a dialogue” has been ongoing between the Browns and the wideout’s agent.

Cooper is entering the final year of a 5-year, $100 million contract he signed in 2020 as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. None of the remaining $20 million on his deal for next season is guaranteed.

Cooper may be seeking a hefty payday from the Browns before returning to camp. The 29-year-old has had strong campaigns in each of his two seasons in Cleveland. In 2022, Cooper tallied a career-high 9 touchdowns with 1,160 receiving yards across 17 games. Cooper followed that up by recording a career-best 1,250 receiving yards with 5 touchdowns over just 15 games in 2023. He earned his fifth Pro Bowl nod last season after three straight years of being left off the team.

The Browns signed a rather problematic wide receiver to a huge extension in March, which drew mostly ridicule from fans online. It wouldn’t be surprising if Cooper felt like he deserved a deal as well given that he’s the only Browns player to breach 900 receiving yards in back-to-back seasons.