With receiver salaries skyrocketing, Amari Cooper is holding out at the Cleveland Browns’ mandatory minicamp.
Cooper was absent from the start of minicamp on Tuesday. He is approaching the final season of a five-year, $100 million contract he signed as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed to reporters that Cooper’s absence was unexcused.
“It’s inexcusable,” Stefanski told reporters. “Obviously, as you know, you guys really need to focus on the guys that are here. These situations, I understand that they happen.
“I’m really leaving that all up to Amari and Amari’s agent, [Browns general manager Andrew Berry] and those kinds of conversations. Again, as you know, we’re focusing on the guys that are here. We’ll do a good job and really keep it that way.”
Quarterback Deshaun Watson voiced his support for Cooper after Tuesday’s practice.
“He’s our brother, our teammate. We support him and the decisions he has to make for himself,” Watson said. “Everyone in this locker room respects him and knows exactly what he’s talking about. When he comes back, he’ll be ready to go.”
Cooper has not publicly disclosed the reason for his absence. But he would likely be eager to take advantage of the growing wide receiver market, which has seen several contract records set this season.
A new world for wide receiver contracts
AJ Brown signed a three-year, $96 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles in April, including $84 million in guaranteed money. Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings then reset the wide receiver market with a four-year, $140 million contract extension on June 3. His average annual salary of $35 million makes Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in football.
Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb and San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk also engaged in minicamp holdouts as they tried to increase their pay rates.
Under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, players must pay a $16,953 fine if they miss the first day of the three-day minicamp. If they miss all three days of mini-camp, their fines could total about $100,000.
Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowler, had 72 catches for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns last season while playing with five different quarterbacks. His receiving yardage total ranked 10th in the NFL. He turns 30 on June 17 and is nearing the end of his prime earning years.
The Browns, meanwhile, hope to improve on their injury-riddled season, which still managed to produce an 11-6 record and a playoff berth. Cooper is Cleveland’s No. 1 receiving option and a key part of those plans.
