The Cleveland Browns have opted for trades over drafting in recent times to strengthen their team, acquiring notable players like quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver Amari Cooper. While they’re committed to Watson for three more years, Cooper, whose contract is expiring, might be replaced with their top pick in the second round for a long-term solution.
Besides Cooper, the Browns have also acquired Elijah Moore and Jerry Jeudy at wide receiver, with Jeudy receiving a substantial contract extension just last month. However, concerns linger about whether this investment will pay off, especially considering Cooper’s high cost, injury history in Cleveland, and impending 30th birthday in June. Moreover, recent draft picks at the receiver position have failed to make a significant impact.
According to Jake Trotter of ESPN, the Browns lack an obvious successor to Cooper as their top receiver, raising questions about whether they’ll extend his contract before it expires, especially given their already pricey roster, exacerbated by Jeudy’s extension.
In today’s NFL landscape, teams commonly rely on inexpensive draft picks to refresh their rosters, while the value of veterans like Cooper remains high, often demanding hefty salaries. Cooper, currently playing out a substantial contract inherited from the Dallas Cowboys, has been productive during his tenure with the Browns, setting franchise records and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2023.
However, the Browns may contemplate moving on from Cooper after this season due to concerns about his durability and financial feasibility within their roster framework. Additionally, the deep pool of wide receiver talent in this year’s draft offers an enticing opportunity to find a suitable replacement, potentially at a lower cost, as part of their ongoing roster management strategy.
