Well, at least Amari Cooper says he isn't looking to get out. Or something like that. But as the Cleveland Browns teeter on the edge of what could be a lost season, the speculation around Cooper's future in Cleveland has intensified.
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With the team struggling to find its footing, the big question looms: could they look to move their star receiver?
Cooper, who has consistently been one of the more reliable targets in the league, addressed the trade rumors head-on this week, stating he hasn't given the possibility much thought.
"I'm just focused on winning," he said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
But let's be real — the Browns' current trajectory isn't promising. With Deshaun Watson's hefty contract weighing down the franchise, the team may soon find itself in a position where unloading high-priced assets like Cooper could become an attractive option.
With Cooper in the final year of his deal, it's plausible they could shop him to the highest bidder if they continue to slide.
The former first-round pick has already been traded twice — first from the Raiders to the Cowboys in 2018, and then from Dallas to Cleveland after the 2021 season. Now, as he tallies 20 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns through five games this season, his value is clear.
As relayed by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, at this rate, Cooper projects to finish with around 68 catches and 680 yards — solid numbers, but perhaps not enough to keep the Browns competitive in a tough AFC.
If Cleveland doesn't right the ship soon, expect trade discussions to heat up around Cooper. It may be a tough pill to swallow for fans who appreciate his talent, but the franchise's long-term vision might depend on stocking up on draft picks and resetting its roster.
Time will tell if the Browns take that route or if they believe they can still salvage this season.
