Wide receivers with the kind of résumé that Cooper Kupp boasts don’t often make their way to the free-agent market. But here we are. After being released by the Los Angeles Rams, Kupp is now an unrestricted free agent, and you can bet there’s a robust demand for his talents.
Kupp, the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, isn’t just a flash in the pan. He led the league that year in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, and his accolades include a first-team All-Pro selection and a Super Bowl MVP award. While last season was a step back with only 67 catches for 710 yards and six touchdowns across 12 games, it’s important to note that injuries have hampered him over the past three years, causing him to miss a total of 18 contests. However, when Kupp is on the field, he continues to make a significant impact.
Before his recent challenges with health, Kupp was a consistent powerhouse, recording three consecutive seasons with over 92 receptions and exceeding 1,150 yards in two of those campaigns. It’s that proven track record of success that has made him a hot commodity on the market.
On “SportsCenter” this morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that up to 12 teams are showing interest in Kupp. Among those, he identified three teams that seem to be in the early lead: the Seattle Seahawks, the New England Patriots, and the Denver Broncos.
Of these, the Seahawks stand out as a logical destination. Not only is Kupp a native of Washington, but he also attended Eastern Washington University, making a move to Seattle seem like a natural fit. The Seahawks have a noticeable gap to fill at wide receiver following the release of Tyler Lockett and the trade of DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Meanwhile, the Patriots are clearly in need of an impactful receiver. Kupp has previous connections to the team, thanks to Kendrick Bourne, a fellow Eastern Washington alum, and passing game coordinator Thomas Brown, who worked as an offensive assistant with the Rams during Kupp’s tenure there. This background could make New England an appealing option for Kupp.
As the market heats up, it’ll be fascinating to see where Kupp lands and how he can once again elevate an offense with his exceptional skills. This is a player who, when healthy, can truly change the dynamics of a game and bring a new dimension to any team fortunate enough to sign him.xa
