CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Cleveland Browns ran it back in 2021 with their offense by returning all 11 starters.
After finishing a disappointing 8-9 and failing to return to the playoffs for a second consecutive season, Browns EVP/GM Andrew Berry is taking a stick of dynamite to the roster on that side of the football for 2022.
Wednesday afternoon, Berry acquired 4-time Pro Bowl receiver Amari Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys upon the commencement of the new league year at 4 p.m.
“I am really excited about joining the Cleveland Browns,” Cooper said. “They have a passionate fanbase that I can't wait to play in front of. Winning is the goal, that is what it is all about. That's why we play the game. I'm excited to come in, get to work and contribute to winning.”
The trade, which was agreed to on Saturday, sends Cleveland’s fifth-round pick – No. 155 overall – to Dallas and the two teams swap sixth-round selections with Cleveland’s No. 193 overall going to the Cowboys and No. 202 coming to the Browns.
In his first seven NFL seasons, Cooper has caught for at least 1,000 yards in five of them and he averages over 1,000 yards receiving per season for his career.
Last season, Cooper caught 68 passes for 865 yards and tied his career high with eight touchdown receptions in 15 games, 14 starts.
Cooper made the Pro Bowl his first two seasons with the Raiders after being drafted fourth overall in 2015. He was also selected in 2018 and 2019 with Dallas but has missed out the last two years.
“Amari Cooper has been a consistent playmaker in this league,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “He is a great route runner. His skillset fits perfectly with what we want to do on offense. On top of that, he is all about that work. He's a team player to his core. We are excited that Amari is a Cleveland Brown.”
The acquisition of Cooper was the first salvo in a flurry of them by Berry.
Tight end Austin Hooper, receiver Jarvis Landry and center JC Tretter were all released this week, clearing just under $32 million in salary cap space this year.
Tuesday Berry along with head coach Kevin Stefanski met with Deshaun Watson after submitting a trade proposal to the Texans. Now they wait while Watson chooses between Cleveland, New Orleans, Carolina and Atlanta.
The meting with Watson appears to telegraph the beginning of the end for Baker Mayfield with the Browns. Mayfield, picked first overall in 2018, posted a “thank you” on his social media accounts to the city of Cleveland following the Browns’ meeting with Watson, ostensibly saying goodbye after four years.
Berry also agreed to swap linebackers with the Patriots sending Mack Wilson to New England for Chase Winovich.
“We’re excited about adding Chase Winovich to our defense,” Stefanski said. “He’s a high-energy football player with relentless pass-rush ability and we think he will fit in well with our defensive scheme.”
As far as free agency goes, the Browns agreed to a one-year contract with Jaguars free agent defensive tackle Taven Bryan as well as a three-year deal with Pro Bowl returner and receiver Jakeem Grant of the Bears.
“We are excited about what Jakeem Grant brings on both offense and special teams,” Stefanski said. “He’s a versatile, dynamic player that has great speed. He’s been one of the top returners in the NFL and we are excited to utilize his skillset.”
Veteran linebacker Anthony Walker is also returning on a one-year contract and backup offensive lineman Chris Hubbard has also agreed to a new deal to stay.
“Versatility is something we value and Hub has proven that he can play at a consistent level at just about every spot on the offensive line. He is working really hard to make a full recovery from is injury and his veteran presence brings so much to our o-line room. I’m glad he will be back,” Stefanski said.
“Last year when we brought in A-Walk, we knew we were getting a smart and productive linebacker. He proved us right in those areas. He also possesses those leadership qualities that you can’t have enough of on your team, and we are thrilled to have him back.”