It's time for the Cleveland Browns to move on from this star wide receiver

The Cleveland Browns have underperformed through the first four games of the 2024 season and their hopes of competing for a playoff spot are fading. Only 13 percent of teams that start 1st through 3rd make the turnaround and qualify for the postseason.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been heavily criticized for his play so far this year, but he's only been part of the problem on offense. Cleveland's offensive line continues to struggle, as does former Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper.

Cooper was a key part of the offensive effort last year, as the once-touted pass catcher finished 2023 with 1,250 receiving yards and five touchdowns. This season, however, was a different story. The 30-year-old wideout has 16 catches for 148 total receiving yards and leads the league in dropped passes.

There seems to be a growing unease among Cooper and the Browns. He was reportedly not in the locker room when reporters entered after the team's recent loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

After two straight losses, Cleveland faces a tough schedule for the remainder of the season.

As playoff hopes fade, general manager Andrew Berry must act now to position the organization for a brighter future. Cooper's move could result in the Browns receiving compensation for the veteran pass-catcher. Berry has shown in the past how much he values ​​mid- to late-round draft picks that could be used to correct other parts of the offense.

Acquiring Jerry Jeudy this previous offseason gives Berry the opportunity to move on from a player like Cooper. Jeudy currently leads the team with 197 yards receiving in four games this year. The plan always seemed to be that this would be Cooper's last year in Cleveland, as Berry refused to extend him in the offseason.

Depending on the severity of star wideout Rashee Rice's injury, there could be some interest from the Kansas City Chiefs. The former Super Bowl champion is undefeated and could use some help on the sidelines if Rice is out for an extended period of time.