Deshaun Watson, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, isn’t concerned about Amari Cooper’s decision to hold out and is confident his top receiver will be ready for the season opener.
Cooper chose to skip OTAs and mandatory minicamp in June to show he wants a contract extension. He has one year left on a five-year, $100 million deal he signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Recently, he publicly stated, “I want to get paid this year.”
Despite the situation, Watson believes things will work out positively for Cooper. Browns veterans are set to begin training camp on July 23.
“Amari’s going to be good,” Watson said on Wednesday, July 17, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “As far as the other stuff, that’s their business. I can’t get into all that. He knows that we love him and we want him back for sure.”
Cooper holds a strong position in negotiations following a standout season where he caught 72 passes for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns.
The main issue in negotiations, according to Brad Stainbrook of theOBR.com, has been the length of the contract extension.
“Negotiations are ongoing but money isn’t the primary concern. The Browns are ready to increase Cooper’s salary for this season,” Stainbrook stated on June 17. “The sticking point is the duration of the deal. The Browns haven’t offered Amari Cooper a contract extension longer than one year.”
