The Cleveland Browns have a wide receiver on their roster who does not get the recognition and support he deserves. Amari Cooper, the former fourth overall selection during the 2015 NFL Draft, has been on three different NFL teams, providing the organizations consistency and high level of production.

Cooper is 30-years-old and is less than 500 yards away from reaching a 10,000 yard milestone in his nearly decade-long NFL career. He is a five-time Pro Bowl selection (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023) and had his career best season with the Browns in 2023, securing over 1,250 yards and five touchdowns, a 17.4 yards per catch average.

Just recently, Bleacher Report posted an article listing the top underrated wide receivers heading into the 2024 season and Cooper did not make the list.

1.  George Pickens
2.  Terry McLaurin
3.  Khalil Shakir
4.  Courtland Sutton
5.  Dontayvion Wicks
6.  Kalif Raymond
7.  Jauan Jennings
8. Brandin Cooks

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens topped the list and Cooper was not even mentioned within the article. I find this surprising as throughout his career, Cooper has provided consistency and reached over 1,000 receiving yards in six out of the nine seasons.

Shortly after the Bleacher Report article was posted, Philadelphia Eagles star cornerback Darius Slay endorsed Cooper and how he believes he is the ‘most underappreciated receiver in the league’.

Slay said, “I’m seeing right now that Cleveland don’t want to pay him, they need to pay that man that money.”

Slay continued his discussion around Cooper and mentioned how he has been reliable throughout this career saying, “A guy that has been a consistent thousand-year receivers and has been doing his thing and people still don’t give him credit…”

Getting an endorsement from one of the top tier cornerbacks in the NFL is promising, but that won’t ultimately make the decision for the Browns organization.

A contract extension is looming for Cooper as we head into training camp but the team’s apparent unwillingness to budge has prevented Cooper from staying in Cleveland long term. He sat out of the mandatory minicamp as he looks for a new deal.

While I am unsure why Cooper continues to not get the recognition he deserves, it seems to not bother him as he continues to produce consistency (when healthy).

I fully expect another dominating season as the team looks to improve their offensive production under new coordinator Ken Dorsey, and Cooper will be just fine even though he never gets any appreciation.