ESPN REPORT: Browns Predicted to Extend $100 Million Pro Bowler, Clear Cap Space in New Deal

With regard to standout wide receiver Amari Cooper, the Cleveland Browns have two options this offseason: release him or extend a huge contract.

In light of Cooper’s 2023 Pro-Bowl campaign, it’s not really that difficult of a choice. The wide receiver, who is in the last year of a $100 million contract, will have approximately $24 million against his salary cap the following season. Cooper would most likely be gone if he hadn’t played well over the past six months. The organization can save $20 million by moving or cutting Cooper after June 1.

But due to his skill and his importance to the Browns’ offence, he is almost certain to sign an extension with Cleveland in 2024, which will allow the team to use bonus structures to lessen his budget hit.

“Extending him is the Browns’ best option to reduce his cap hit,” USA Today’s Browns Wire’s Cory Kinnan said on Wednesday, February 7. But since Cooper will be 30 the following season, it will be intriguing to see how long the extension lasts.

Given the recent contracts inked by Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs with the Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills, respectively, Kinnan said something in the range of a two-year deal at $23–$24 million a year could be in play for Cooper. It seems probable that Cooper and his team will advocate for a three- or four-year contract.

“They can reduce his base salary in 2024 to the vet minimum, paying him only his bonuses that do not count against the cap, if [the Browns] wanted to extend him for another two years,” Kinnan continued. “This offseason, this move is very much in play.”