Former Rival's Blunt Response To Amari Cooper's Contract Uncertainty

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay believes Cleveland Browns wideout Amari Cooper is the most underrated receiver in the NFL. He also thinks the Browns should pony up the money and sign the five-time Pro Bowler to a contract extension.

Cooper is playing on an expiring deal and looking for some contract security heading into the 2024 season. He was a no-show at mandatory minicamp , per Browns coach Kevin Stefanski.

Few know Cooper better as a player than Slay, who faced him multiple times when he was still with the Dallas Cowboys.

The Eagles and Cowboys' NFC East rivalry came baked with the primetime spectacle of Cooper going head-to-head with Slay from 2020-21. But no matter how competitive the matchups became, there was always a mutual respect shared between Cooper and Slay.

"I really be thinking he's the most underappreciated receiver in the league," Slay said, during a recent appearance on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast.

He added, "I'm seeing right now that Cleveland don't want to pay him. They need to pay that man that money."

There's still hope a deal could come together before training camp. If that fails to happen, one has to wonder if Cooper would hold out.

Age is the biggest obstacle for Cooper because he's already proven himself productive enough to warrant a big contract. He hauled in 72 receptions and a career-high 1,250 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2023.

Those numbers are even more impressive considering he achieved them on a team that had five different starting quarterbacks throughout the season.

Cooper just turned 30 years old, and there are surely concerns of him hitting an age wall that impacts his performance on the field. It's even tougher with the league in the middle of a wide receiver boom.

Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason and Amon-Ra St. Brown agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension with the Detroit Lions.

Cooper probably isn't getting a four-year deal with his next contract, but he's in a great position to get a lucrative offer with fewer years. If the Browns aren't willing to pay him, there's a chance another team out there would be.

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