Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) watches from the sidelines during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper has decided not to report to mandatory minicamp, setting up a slightly concerning situation for the Browns as he holds out in search of a new contract. But it doesn’t sound like star quarterback Deshaun Watson has any problem with his teammate’s decision to hold out.

During a recent press conference, Deshaun Watson expressed support for Amari Cooper for his decision to hold out.

“Amari is our brother, our teammate, we support him, and the decisions that he got to make for himself is on Amari,” Watson said according to Pro Football Talk. “But everyone in this locker room respects him and knows exactly what he’s about. And whenever he gets back, he’s going to be ready to go. . . . He’s got to handle what he got to handle, and nobody is looking any different on him. And like I said, we all support him. And he was here this weekend with us, and we had a good time.”

Watson also made it clear that he believes Cooper is the best wide receiver in the league. So naturally, he would like to have him back at practice sooner than later. We’ll have to see what happens.

[Pro Football Talk]