Kevin Stefanski: I wish Amari Cooper the best of luck

Over the past two-plus seasons, Amari Cooper has been one of the Browns' best players.

He became the first Cleveland wide receiver to post back-to-back seasons of over 1,000 yards. He set a single-game franchise record with 265 receiving yards last December against the Texans.

But with Cleveland's season already over at 1-5, the club traded him Tuesday, about 190 miles up I-90 in Buffalo.

“I think so [you’re] When you lose, injure or otherwise disappoint a player— Trade, whatever it is“Head coach Kevin Stefanski said in his Wednesday press conference. “I wish Amari the best of luck. Obviously, I talked to him yesterday.

“We're excited, it opens up opportunities for other guys. But, yes, you've obviously become close to your players and you don't like to lose anyone for any reason. But, we understand the business side of it and we are excited [for] What would be the opportunity for some of the other guys.”

Cooper led the team with 24 catches on 53 targets. Jerry Jewdy is No. 2 on the list with 20 receptions on 36 targets, which means there are plenty of opportunities for other players now.

“I think it's a bunch of guys,” Stefanski said when asked who could help replace Cooper's production. “You know, Amari had a lot of targets. Well, they have to go to other people. So, the other guys in the wide receiver room, the tight end room, the running back room … we have a lot of confidence in our guys.”

Perhaps Stefanski's toughest task will be selling the locker room that the team is still competing when Cooper has been traded and Deshaun Watson is still going to start at quarterback. But Stefanski said he feels the Browns understand what their goals are.

“I think our guys understand that the No. 1 thing here is to win,” Stefanski said. “The No. 1 thing is to compete. The truth is, you lose guys all season long. Sometimes it's due to injury, sometimes it's due to business – whatever. And when that time comes, our guys have to step up.”