Who Should I Start? Amari Cooper or Allen Lazard

Friday, March 29, 9:23 PM

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns may focus on a new contract for wide receiver Amari Cooper. "We love him," said general manager Andrew Berry while addressing the topic at league meetings. "So players like that, you want to make sure that you can retain as long as possible, and we'll work through all of that at the appropriate times." Cabot believes both sides won't enter talks until after the NFL draft. But Cleveland could look to make something happen soon, considering the cost for wideouts is expected to increase. Cooper, entering the final year of his current deal, amassed a career-high 1,250 receiving yards with 72 catches and five touchdowns. He also averaged 17.4 yards per catch. The Browns added Jerry Jeudy in a trade from Denver. However, Cooper should still remain involved at a high level, especially if Deshaun Watson (shoulder) can return to form.

Thursday, March 14, 6:17 PM

The New York Jets have made wide receiver Allen Lazard available in trade talks this offseason, according to league sources. Lazard is due a $10 million salary this season, so he's not likely to generate a ton of interest from other clubs after catching 23 of his 49 targets for 311 yards and one touchdown in 14 games (12 starts) for the Jets in 2023. The 28-year-old former Green Bay Packer came over before last season as a favorite of quarterback Aaron Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay, but Lazard didn't have much of a chance to excel once Rodgers tore his Achilles in Week 1. Perhaps Lazard could rebound with Rodgers returning this year if he sticks around, but it sounds like the Jets would rather just move on. If there are no takers for Lazard, the Jets could end up cutting him after June 1.