Pro Bowl CB names 'most underappreciated receiver in the league'

While most players around the league are solely focused on preparing for training camp and the long season ahead, some are still trying to receive some long-term security.

Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper is among those who sat out mandatory minicamp in hopes of getting a contract extension. Six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay understands why.

"I really be thinking he's the most underappreciated receiver in the league," Slay said on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast. "I'm seeing right now that Cleveland don't want to pay him, they need to pay that man that money."

Cooper is heading into the final year of his current deal, and he hasn't been shy in expressing his desire to get paid.

"I'm trying to get paid this year," Cooper bluntly stated during a recent interaction caught on camera.

The 30-year-old is on the backend of his career, but he has been nothing short of productive since joining Cleveland in 2022. Over the past two years, he has posted 150 catches for 2,410 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Slay believes Cooper's consistency shouldn't be overlooked.

"A guy that has been a consistent thousand-yard receiver and has been doing his thing and people still don't give him credit is really Amari Cooper," Slay added.

Cooper has also been able to put up good numbers the past two seasons while catching passes from the Browns' revolving door of quarterbacks. In 2023, they started five different quarterbacks (Deshaun Watson, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, P.J. Walker, Jeff Driskel and Joe Flacco).

Only time will tell if Cleveland gives Cooper the payday he's looking for, but Slay thinks the team would be smart to do so as he is one of a kind.

"He really the one that's really being slept on," Slay finished. "He been a consistent receiver for, since he been in the league and been dominating. He's really the only receiver that really, I truly think that has a true route tree as can run all the routes. Amari Cooper, off the line of scrimmage, he's amazing; after the catch, he's amazing; he can attack the ball."