Proposed Offseason Move: Patriots Targeting Amari Cooper from Browns
In a potential offseason shakeup, the New England Patriots have set their sights on star wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns. This move could provide the Browns with much-needed cap relief, although it comes at a significant cost.
If the trade were to happen, the Patriots would secure a true number one receiver, giving them a strong start to the Jerod Mayo era. Additionally, it would reunite Cooper with his former Browns offensive coordinator, Alex Van Pelt, who now holds a similar role with the Patriots.
While the Browns may be reluctant to part ways with standout receiver Amari Cooper, their $20.6 million cap deficit puts them in a difficult position. Trading Cooper would save them $12.4 million in cap space, making it a tempting option for the New England Patriots.
Despite the potential benefits for the Patriots, it is unlikely that the Browns will seriously consider trading Cooper. Last season, he carried the Browns’ offense, showcasing his skills even with the challenge of catching passes from four different quarterbacks. Cooper’s impressive performance on Christmas Eve against the Houston Texans, where he set a franchise single-game record with 11 catches for 265 yards, further solidified his value.
Cooper remains a crucial asset for the Browns, and they have the option to extend his contract to alleviate the cap hit. Although he will turn 30 next season, Cooper has proven that he still has plenty to offer on the field. His team-first mentality and durability make him an attractive candidate for a contract extension as the Browns plan for the future.
Since joining the Browns in 2022, Cooper has exceeded all expectations. The Browns acquired him from the Dallas Cowboys for just a fifth-round pick, and he has made a significant impact on the team.
Cleveland Browns Eyeing Wide Receiver Upgrades in Offseason
Getty Images – The Cleveland Browns, led by head coach Kevin Stefanski, are on the hunt for additional weapons at the wide receiver position. While Amari Cooper proved to be a valuable asset for the team, it is clear that more firepower is needed. Elijah Moore, with 59 catches for 640 yards, and tight end David Njoku, with 81 catches for 882 yards, made solid contributions last season. However, the rest of the Browns’ pass catchers fell short.
According to Browns General Manager Andrew Berry, the team is currently in the assessment mode and considering the addition of playmakers. While Berry did not label it as a top priority, he acknowledged that the team could benefit from adding one or two more dynamic players. “I mean, we’re still in the assessment mode. We feel pretty good about our group of pass catchers,” Berry stated in an interview with The Athletic on February 1. “I don’t know very many teams across the NFL that have two Pro Bowl-caliber pass catchers and a good complementary crew. We’re always looking to add playmakers. … But I think it would be aggressive to call that the top priority.”
As the Browns explore their options, several wide receivers have emerged as potential targets. Tee Higgins, Mike Evans, Gabe Davis, and Calvin Ridley are among the names being considered. Each of these players brings a unique skill set and could provide the Browns with the additional playmaking ability they seek.
J.R. DeGroote, a sports reporter covering the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Lakers, has been closely following the team’s pursuit of wide receiver upgrades. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see which players the Browns ultimately decide to pursue in their quest to bolster their receiving corps. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
According to the Source heavy.com