Who Should I Start? Amari Cooper or Ja'Marr Chase

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.

Wednesday, April 24, 2:05 PM

The Cincinnati Bengals exercised the fifth-year option for wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase on Wednesday, as expected. Chase is now officially locked up through the 2025 season. The 24-year-old former fifth overall pick in 2021 out of LSU has made the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons in the NFL and set a career-high with 100 catches on 145 targets for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games in 2023, despite the fact that quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) missed considerable time with a season-ending injury. Chase's seven touchdowns in 2023 were a career-low, but he should bounce back in that department in 2024 as long as Burrow can stay healthy all year. Chase's fantasy arrow continues to point up and he should be considered a top-tier WR1.