Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper was not present for the opening of the team's minicamp Tuesday. The receiver is subject to fines for the absence, per NFL Network. No reason was immediately given as to why Cooper ghosted the event.
It is certainly not good news for the Browns. The receiver is entering the final year of his contract with the team, and a no-show may mean he is trying to get an extension with the team. It could also mean that he wants to get out of Dodge, so speculation will certainly swirl until Cooper is able to get in front of reporters and explain the situation.
Cooper in Cleveland
Cooper has been terrific the last two seasons for the Browns. He has had back-to-back 1,000 yard receiving seasons, in both years he has been with the squad. Cooper is the first receiver in Browns history to do that, per the Alliance Review. In 2023, Cooper finished the year with 72 receptions and 1,250 yards. He caught five touchdown passes, and helped the Browns make the AFC Playoffs. The team lost a Wild Card game to the Houston Texans.
Browns fans surely hope the issue that is keeping Cooper away from minicamp can be resolved. The wideout still has plenty of gas left in the tank. The receiver has had 1,000 yard receiving seasons four of the last five years, with the Browns and Dallas Cowboys. He has 667 career receptions, with 9,486 total receiving yards. Another strong season will most likely put Cooper over the 10,000 receiving yards mark in his career, a spectacular feat. The wideout also briefly played with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders in his NFL career.
Browns minicamp starts Tuesday and runs through Thursday, so there is still time for the receiver to report and limit the amount of fines he would have to pay. The absence is reported to be unexcused, per the Alliance Review. If Cooper misses all three days of minicamp, he would face more than $100,000 in fines. The receiver is one of several players missing minicamp on Tuesday in the NFL, including New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Browns 2024 season outlook
Cleveland is hoping to return to the AFC Playoffs, but it won't be easy. The team has to contend with some very talented foes in the AFC North, including the powerful Baltimore Ravens and the reloading Pittsburgh Steelers. All four division teams finished the 2023 season with a winning record.
Cleveland had a surge of success in 2023, partly due to the strong play of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco is no longer there, so the pressure is on Deshaun Watson to deliver. Watson has been dealing with an injury.
The Browns kick off the 2024 preseason with a game on August 10 against the Green Bay Packers. The regular season starts on September 8, with a huge game against the Dallas Cowboys. Browns fans certainly hope Cooper is back for the team well before then.
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