As the Seattle Seahawks gear up for the 2025 season, they’ve made a notable move by signing Cooper Kupp. While one might see this as a direct replacement for DK Metcalf, the truth is a bit more nuanced. Kupp’s style suggests he’s more suited to fill Tyler Lockett’s shoes than Metcalf’s. This leaves the Seahawks with a pressing need for a true boundary receiver as they head towards the 2025 NFL Draft.
Now, with the draft just around the corner, the Seahawks are in an interesting position. They could certainly look to the college ranks to bring in a rookie, but adding a veteran like Amari Cooper would be a savvy play. At 31, Cooper brings a wealth of experience, and he can provide that stabilizing presence the Seahawks are seeking on the outside.
Let’s break it down. One of the challenges Seattle currently faces is that while Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are solid in the slot, the team lacks a boundary receiver who can consistently win one-on-one matchups. Over his career, Cooper has thrived on the outside, with a staggering 78.6% of his snaps taken there. That’s the type of presence the Seahawks need, especially with a quarterback like Sam Darnold stepping in.
Now, it’s fair to say Cooper’s 2024 season didn’t exactly sparkle, as he finished with 588 yards and just four touchdowns while bouncing between the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills. That kind of inconsistency can make any player’s performance appear lackluster. However, let’s not forget that prior to last season, he put up five 1,000-yard seasons in his previous six years—definitely not a fluke. His ability to turn it on when the situation is right can be a significant asset for Seattle.
What makes Cooper particularly intriguing for the Seahawks is his size—standing at 6’1″ and weighing 211 pounds, he offers an ideal target for downfield throws. His catch radius and competitiveness in contested situations mean he can be a reliable asset, particularly with Darnold throwing him the ball. For a Seattle team looking to contend, having someone like Cooper could be the difference-maker they need to set themselves up for a successful 2025 season.
In this offseason, the Seahawks should consider leveraging both the draft and veteran acquisitions like Cooper to create a balanced and dynamic receiving corps capable of thriving amid the tough competition in the league.
