The Cleveland Browns are clearly in need of upgrades at the receiver position. While the defensive line and special teams, both a punter and kicker, also are among their top needs, receiver has gotten most of the attention this offseason.
Whether anything comes of the Deshaun Watson to the Browns rumors, wide receiver will still need to be addressed.
The free-agent market doesn’t seem to have a lot of top-end answers for Cleveland. Mike Williams already got paid and the other top guys are either staying put with long-term deals or got the franchise tag.
One name that popped up during the NFL combine was Amari Cooper. Adam Schefter reported that the Dallas Cowboys were likely to release the receiver to help save cap space.
While the Cowboys could still release him before the league year opens next week, it seems more likely that a team will trade for him:
At least five teams have discussed #Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper's availability in a potential trade or release, per source. Teams in the receiver market leading up to free agency are at least checking on Cooper's value and contract situation.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 12, 2022
Given their need at the position, the Browns are likely one of the teams that have checked in on him. Teams may want to redo or restructure his contract but the similarity to Williams’ new deal is important to note:
I know it was reported that the Cowboys would release Amari Cooper, but it sounds like Dallas could move him in a trade. Mike Williams just signed for three years, $60M, and that’s how much Amari Cooper has left on his deal.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) March 12, 2022
Cooper would fill a need in Cleveland. Whether he is a top-flight receiver or on the lower end of a #1 guy, the Browns lack that at this point. His presence could allow the team to use their top pick in the draft to address the defensive line or his presence could ease the transition if a receiver is also drafted with that position.
In his two seasons running the team, GM Andrew Berry has doubled up with a veteran and a highly drafted rookie added at the same position groups in each offseason. A few examples:
- Jack Conklin was signed and Jedrick Wills was drafted for the offensive line
- Troy Hill was signed and Greg Newsome II was drafted at cornerback
- Anthony Walker was signed and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was drafted at linebacker
Adding Cooper and a player like Garrett Wilson to go along with Donovan Peoples-Jones and Anthony Schwartz, with Jarvis Landry’s return also possible, could really revamp the team’s weaponry. The team’s extra third-round pick and fourth-round pick could make the trade even easier for the team.
