Former Browns WR Amari Cooper comes in as 99th best Cleveland player all-time

Today’s countdown of the top 100 Cleveland Browns players of all time features a recent subtraction.

The Browns probably didn’t envision this player leaving like he did. Before leaving, Browns fans quickly embraced the superstar talent, especially with his blue-collar approach to the game. This player’s early exit was a sign that the Browns’ season was over. Yesterday, we kicked off the list with wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Today, the 99th best player in Cleveland Browns history is…

99. Amari Cooper, WR

Amari Cooper is one of the best wide receivers in the history of football. The Miami, Florida, native had an excellent collegiate career with the Alabama Crimson Tide. He won the Biletnikoff Award and was named a unanimous All-American in 2014. Cooper was drafted with the fourth pick in the 2015 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. Cooper played four seasons for them before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys for the 27th pick in the 2019 NFL draft. He played four seasons there before being traded to the Cleveland Browns for the 155th pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

The Browns didn’t keep Cooper for long. He played 38 games for the team, recording 2,660 yards, 16 touchdowns on 174 receptions. Cooper’s 70 receiving yards per game currently ranks third in Browns’ history. He also holds the Browns’ record for most receiving yards in a single game with 265 yards. Last season, the Browns traded Cooper to the Buffalo Bills for the 94th pick in the draft. So far, Cooper has played 154 games in his career, totaling 10,033 yards, 64 touchdowns on 711 receptions. He made the Pro Bowl five times in his ten seasons.

Cooper joined the Browns near the height of his career. Cooper has always been a tremendously skilled receiver, but he was a technical marvel with the Browns. He was the most consistent Browns receiver I’ve ever watched. He is a craftsman who made every route look identical until he made his cut. Cooper showed expert technique and pacing on every route. Watching him in All-22 made me a smarter fan. Last season, Cooper battled through injuries and had a disappointing stint with the Bills. He’s currently a free agent, but I think he’ll find a home soon. Cooper is a great receiver who will soon return to producing.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns: Amari Cooper comes in as 99th best Cleveland player all-time