Cooper Kupp is officially on the open market, and that’s a headline that will grab the attention of every NFL team in need of a wide receiver. Released by the Los Angeles Rams, Kupp is now an unrestricted free agent, and you can bet there’s going to be a substantial line of suitors eager to sign him.
Just a few short years ago, Kupp was unbeatable. He snagged the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award in 2021 after leading the entire league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Add to that a Super Bowl MVP award, and you start to see why he’s such an enticing prospect, despite a recent dip in his production due to injuries. Last season, Kupp notched 67 catches for 710 yards and found the end zone six times, but he only managed to play 12 games. Injuries have been a concern for Kupp lately, as he’s missed a total of 18 games over the past three seasons. However, when Kupp is healthy, he still has that game-changing ability that can make a real difference for any offense.
Before his injury troubles, Kupp was on a tear, posting more than 92 catches in each of three consecutive seasons, which included two campaigns where he exceeded 1,150 receiving yards. That kind of track record has undoubtedly sparked interest from across the league.
During a recent segment on “SportsCenter,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that around 12 teams have reached out about Kupp, hinting at a busy free-agent market. He spotlighted three teams that seem to be leading the charge: the Seattle Seahawks, the New England Patriots, and the Denver Broncos.
Of those, Seattle might be the most logical fit. Not only is Kupp a Washington native, but he also attended Eastern Washington University, making a return to the Pacific Northwest intriguing. The Seahawks currently have a noticeable gap at wide receiver after parting ways with Tyler Lockett and trading DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kupp could step right in as a pivotal piece of Seattle’s offense.
On the other hand, the Patriots have a pressing need for a dynamic receiver, and Kupp has historical connections to the franchise as well. He previously played alongside Kendrick Bourne at Eastern Washington, and his rapport with the Patriots’ passing game coordinator, Thomas Brown, who was an assistant with the Rams during Kupp’s rise, could work in the team’s favor.
With Kupp now a free agent, the unfolding drama of where he lands is sure to be one of the more captivating stories this offseason. Teams with the vision and talent to support a player of his caliber could find themselves with a true game-changer. This is a development worth watching, as Kupp’s potential impact on a franchise could be tremendous.
