The Cleveland Browns are looking to build on their unexpected success last season when they made the playoffs despite season-ending injuries to quarterback Deshaun Watson and star running back Nick Chubb.
It all starts with offseason workouts, including mandatory minicamps, which are taking place this week across the NFL.
However, Amari Cooper, the Browns’ standout wide receiver, wasn’t present for the first day of minicamp on Tuesday.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said the absence wasn’t excused, per Adam Schefter.
In his two seasons in Cleveland, Cooper has given the team the type of big-time threat in the passing game it hasn’t had in a while.
During that time, he has accumulated a combined 2,410 yards and 14 touchdowns while catching 150 passes.
He wasn’t present recently for OTAs, and there is speculation that he is holding out because he’s unhappy with his contract.
Cooper is entering the final year of his contract, and he will make $20 million this coming season, although none of it is guaranteed.
He has had to watch a number of other star wideouts across the league get huge extensions this offseason, and perhaps the five-time Pro Bowler is feeling a bit left out.
The AFC North will be a brutal division once again, and the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have improved this offseason, while the Cincinnati Bengals appear to be healthy.
Cooper will need to be focused and committed if the Browns will once again reach the postseason, especially if Chubb isn’t ready to go when the regular season starts in three months.
