Browns' Amari Cooper Avoids Possible Holdout With Contract Restructure, per Report

Patrick Andres | Jul 23, 2024

Nov 27, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) makes a first down reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during overtime at FirstEnergy Stadium. / Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Since the Cleveland Browns acquired him from the Dallas Cowboys in March 2022, wide receiver Amari Cooper has been nothing short of terrific.

The ultra-consistent pass-catcher has emerged as multiple Browns quarterbacks' top target, racking up 1,160 receiving yards in 2022 and 1,250 in 2023. In the latter year, he made a fifth Pro Bowl at age 29.

Now, Cleveland is poised to reward Cooper for his performance. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Browns are raising Cooper's salary by $5 million and guaranteeing the $20 million already left on his contract—a move that is likely to quell speculation that the wide receiver would hold out.

Cooper, 30, is still scheduled to hit free agency after the 2024 season.

Source: Browns WR Amari Cooper is getting a $5 million raise while the team also is guaranteeing him the $20 million currently left on his contract. Cooper still will be entering the final year of his deal. It also means $80 million of the $100 million will have been guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/t80f1KY4mI

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 23, 2024

The Alabama product signed a five-year, $100 million extension with the Cowboys in March 2020. That deal followed Dallas's acquisition of Cooper from the Oakland Raiders on Oct. 22, 2018.

Cleveland is scheduled to open its season against Dallas on Sept. 8.