Browns WR Amari Cooper doesn't mince words: 'I'm trying to get paid this year'

Amari Cooper‘s minicamp absence came down to one clear objective: He wants to get paid.

Indeed, Cooper acknowledged this when he was challenged to demonstrate his speed in a recent incident that was filmed.

“I’d pull a hammy or something trying to race you,” Cooper said to an individual from the betting company Betr. “I’m trying to get paid this year.”

Cooper, at the age of 30, is precisely in the final stage of his career where he can earn substantial money through a multi-year contract. This is the reason he didn’t attend the obligatory minicamp and accepted the potential fine for his absence. He was aware that the extra money he could earn would compensate for what he would lose by not participating.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry explained Cooper’s absence as a matter of business earlier in June, adding “it does not change our affinity for Amari.” There’s no guarantee, though, that they’ll complete a deal anytime soon. But on the bright side, animosity doesn’t seem to exist between the two parties.

Considering this, it’s not surprising that Cooper admits he’s aiming for a payday in 2024. His honesty is a breath of fresh air. All that’s left is to see whether he’ll secure the bag or go through the last year of his five-year contract worth $100 million, without any assurance of a long-term deal.