Cooper: 'I am excited about this new chapter' with Browns

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper is embracing a fresh start after being traded by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason.

"I wouldn't say I just wanted to leave, but at the same time, it's never personal. It's just business, and that's part of the business of being in this league," Cooper said Wednesday at his introductory press conference, according to Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal. "Things like that happen all the time - players get cut, players get traded.

"There's no player in the league who's still in the league from 30 years ago. It all comes to an end at some point. With that said, I am excited about this new chapter, and I embrace it. I look forward to the future here."

Cleveland acquired Cooper on March 12. The Cowboys, who were reportedly prepared to release the receiver if a trade didn't come together, were looking to offload his salary off their books before it became guaranteed.

The deal marked the second time in Cooper's career that he was traded. The then-Oakland Raiders shipped him to Dallas in 2018.

Part of Cooper's excitement in playing for the Browns is being able to catch passes from Deshaun Watson, who Cleveland acquired from the Houston Texans on March 18. But although Cooper was "elated" at the prospect of playing with Watson, he's not taking his role with the team for granted.

"He's a great player. I'm a great player. We're going to make it work by any means necessary," Cooper said. "But I think as far as being his No. 1 receiver, that has to be earned."

Meanwhile, Cooper's presence is already being felt in the Browns' locker room during offseason workouts.

"Just watching him work there in the weight room and seeing him around his teammates, I think he's a guy that really works hard," said head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Cooper should give the Browns a top pass-catcher among a young wide receiver corps. He's hauled in 517 receptions, 7,076 yards, and 46 touchdowns since 2015.

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