How the Browns can resolve Amari Cooper’s contract holdout, Deshaun Watson’s camp outlook: Mary Kay Cabot (2024)

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Amari Cooper’s holdout from Browns mandatory minicamp for a contract extension hasn’t changed their affinity for him, and both parties would like the issue resolved by the start of training camp July 24th so Cooper doesn’t miss a beat.

It might not happen until closer to the start of camp or shortly thereafter, but the two sides should be able to reach an agreement that keeps Cooper here and happy for at least the next year or two.

Heading into the final year of a five-year deal he signed with the Cowboys that pays him an average of $20 million a year, Cooper — who turns 30 on Monday — has no more guaranteed money in the deal, which is a big issue as he heads into his 10th NFL season.

The other issue is that the receiver market has exploded this offseason, with the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson topping the list at $35 million a year, and Cooper wants his fair market value.

Tied for the 20th-highest paid receiver in the NFL with his $20 million average, Cooper is certainly not the oldest NFL receiver seeking his share of the burgeoning market. Miami’s Tyreek Hill, 30, is No. 4 on the list at $30 million a year, the Raiders’ Davante Adams, 31, is No. 6 at $28 million, the Rams’ Cooper Kupp is No. 7 at $26.7 million, the Titans’ Calvin Ridley, who turns 30 in December, is No. 13 at $23 million, and the Texans’ Stefon Diggs, 30, is No. 15 at $22.520 million.

Cooper also just made his fifth Pro Bowl, and finished 10th in the NFL with 1,250 yards — despite working with four different starting quarterbacks, including two that combined for two touchdown passes and nine interceptions. Clearly the Browns’ No. 1 receiver heading into this season despite their trade for Jerry Jeudy, Cooper will be counted on heavily this season to help Deshaun Watson come back strong from shoulder surgery, and Browns GM Andrew Berry extolled his virtues at the NFL Annual Meetings in March.

“Look, Coop’s a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver,” Berry said. “He’s played really well for us the past two years. He’s a strong presence in the locker room. We love him. So players like that, you want to make sure that you can retain as long as possible and we’ll work through all of that at the appropriate times.”

What’s more, Cooper’s a mentor to all of the younger players, and will be especially helpful for Jeudy, who idolized him for years while growing up nearby in South Florida and knows him well. Cooper’s positive influence undoubtedly factored into the Jeudy acquisition to some degree.

It also didn’t hurt Cooper’s cause that Watson went heavily to bat for him this week, calling him “the best in the game.”

If Cooper managed to become the first receiver in Browns history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and also set the single game receiving record with 265 yards despite four different quarterbacks, imagine what he can do in a full season with Watson?

“There’s no limit,” Watson said. “There’s no sky for us. We can be as good as we want to be.”

Given this high stakes season in which the Browns are expected to get over the hump and into the Super Bowl, they certainly don’t need a contentious contract holdout at the start of camp. So what might it take to get it done?

One decent comp might be the Bucs’ Mike Evans, who received a two-year deal in the offseason worth $41 million, including another $11 million in incentives and escalators. The deal gives him $29 fully guaranteed at signing, and $35 million guaranteed overall. Cooper will undoubtedly want more than $20 million a year, and something in the mid-20s seems reasonable, with plenty of guaranteed money upfront and some voidable years to keep the cap number low.

The Browns are currently tied for 20th in cap space with only $13.7 million — and have other players to extend such as linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah — but they can always re-do Watson’s contract again and give him a nice restructure bonus. It’s a win-win, and will help get his WR1 back on the field in time to make a serious run at a Super Bowl.

Deshaun Watson’s camp outlook

The Browns weren’t surprised that Watson was able to let it fly on the final day of Browns minicamp, because they had already witnessed his excellent arm strength this offseason. Watson, who threw only every other day in organized team activities and minicamp, and didn’t participate in 7-on-7s until minicamp, could’ve done more over the past month, but followed the strict protocol set forth by his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

The goal was to get Watson to training camp healthy, and he and the medical team accomplished that. He’ll likely also ramp it some in training camp, playing it safe at times to get to the starting blocks healthy.

But the Browns and Watson’s medical team are thrilled with his progress, and the fact he suffered no setbacks. The every-other-day schedule ensured success, and Watson will arrive at The Greenbrier next month almost back to himself.

He’ll also host a passing camp for his teammates likely in Miami during the break, and also throw individually with close friends such as Cooper.

Myles Garrett’s tweaked hamstring

Garrett’s tweaked hamstring isn’t expected to linger into training camp, even though he wore a full sleeve on it during his youth football camp on Friday. Garrett, who pulled up limping in an early defensive line drill on the final day of minicamp, will rest the leg and also receive treatment on it between now and camp. If he takes it a little easy at the start of camp, it will give other young edge rushers such as Alex Wright a chance to get more reps.

But it’s no big deal, and Garrett has dealt with much worse. He’ll be on the edge Sept. 8 against the Cowboys, ready to pounce on Dak Prescott.

Jedrick Wills Jr.’s knee injury

The Browns were hoping Wills would be able to participate in minicamp, but the surgically-repaired knee (torn MCL) wasn’t ready yet. The goal now is for him to be ready for training camp, even if he’s limited at the beginning. Jack Conklin is still recovering from his torn ACL and MCL, but Dawand Jones was back on the field in OTAs and minicamp, and will be ready to roll.

Kudos to the Browns hosting free youth camps

Plenty of Browns players have hosted free football camps either here or in their hometowns. They include Denzel Ward and Justin Hardee in Cleveland, Martin Emerson Jr. in Pensacola, Fla. and Alex Wright in Alabama. Emerson’s camp on July 6th is full, but some spots remain in Wright’s camp. Kudos to these players and others for giving back to their communities, and giving these kids an amazing opportunity.