Browns WR Amari Cooper addresses trade possibility

Despite a 1-4 start, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper indicated he's not focused on being traded during the season.

"I'm not thinking about a [trade]," Cooper told the media Thursday. "I'm not thinking about us winning some games. I'm thinking about us winning some games. So, that doesn't even cross my mind." 

Cooper's optimism is commendable, but the Browns probably aren't going to turn it around this season. 

Through five starts, Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for five touchdowns and three interceptions. He ranks 31st in the league QBR (21).

After a 34-13 Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders (4-1), Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said, "We're not changing quarterbacks." 

Watson signed a fully guaranteed, five-year, $230M deal in 2022. The Browns probably want a return on their investment, which may explain why they're not benching him.

With Watson remaining the starting QB, Cleveland may keep losing games. If it does, entering rebuilding mode and trading Cooper would make sense. 

"A week ago, that thought would've been hard for the team's decision-makers to swallow," wrote The Athletic's Zac Jackson Wednesday. "However, after the most embarrassing offensive performance yet versus Washington, Cleveland at least has to discuss trading Cooper as part of embracing the reality of the situation."

Cooper, 30, is in the final year of a five-year, $100M deal, but the Browns converted all but $1.21M of his base salary into a signing bonus this offseason. Thus, a team that acquired him would absorb less than $1M in salary, via Spotrac co-founder Michael Ginnitti.

His affordable contract makes him an attractive trade candidate for Super Bowl contenders. On Wednesday, CBS Sports Cody Benjamin predicted the Buffalo Bills (3-2) will trade for the five-time Pro Bowler.

However, if the Browns send Cooper elsewhere this season, they will incur $22.854M in dead cap in 2025. 

Plus, his numbers have dipped in 2024. Through five games, he has 20 receptions for 208 yards and two TD catches. Perhaps the decline ties to Watson's poor play. 

Regardless, Cooper could be a player to watch before the trade deadline on Nov. 5.