The Browns traded a 5th and a 6th round pick for Amari Cooper and a 6th round pick. Amari Cooper is on the third year of a 5 year, $100 million contract, with no guaranteed money going forward. The Browns could very well rework the contract to lower the cap hit but add to his guaranteed money. Cooper is entering his age 28 season, so he is still in his prime.
Browns Wide Receivers
The Browns previously only had two wide receivers under contract: Donovan Peoples-Jones and Anthony Schwartz. Schwartz was disappointing in his rookie season. Early in the season, Schwartz showed flashes, but his performance greatly declined, as did the entirety of the Browns’ passing game. Schwartz struggled as a route runner and will more likely than not end up as a specialty player, used on jet sweeps, screens, and other quick plays.
Peoples-Jones is a solid X receiver who is decent down the field. At best, he will end up as a wide receiver two, but more likely as a wide receiver three or four. Even with the addition of Amari Cooper, the Browns still need one more high-level receiver and another depth receiver after that. Jarvis Landry has been cut, but there is a small possibility that he is back on a more cap-friendly deal.
Amari Cooper on the Browns
Amari Cooper provides an excellent route runner and overall good receiver for the Browns. Cooper has no fit issues, as there is no one nearly on the same level as him. The only thing the Browns want out of him that he is not good at is blocking. Cooper is an okay blocker, mainly due to the fact that he is willing to do it. Overall, Cooper gives the Browns a number one option, and that is the most important part of the trade.