Cooper Kupp has been one of the NFL‘s top receivers over the past five seasons, but this offseason has been a rollercoaster for the former Rams star.
Despite the Los Angeles Rams retaining quarterback Matthew Stafford on a restructured contract, the team effectively moved on from Kupp by signing free agent wideout Davante Adams to a two-year deal.
The writing was already on the wall, as Kupp publicly stated earlier this year that he and the team would be parting ways. Shortly after his official release, Kupp found a new home — and it just so happens to be with one of the Rams’ biggest rivals.
Cooper Kupp, Seattle Seahawks Agree to Blockbuster Contract
The Seattle Seahawks have had a wild offseason.
First, they made a trio of moves, sending quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, cutting wide receiver Tyler Lockett, and trading DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Then, they signed Sam Darnold to a three-year deal and gave him a top target in Kupp, who is joining Seattle on a three-year, $45 million contract, according to Adam Schefter.
Kupp has been one of the league’s best receivers for years, winning the receiving triple crown in 2021 by leading the NFL in:
- Receptions (145)
- Receiving yards (1,947)
- Receiving touchdowns (16)
Former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp reached agreement with the Seahawks, per source. pic.twitter.com/FewoWB7SKF
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
At 31 years old, he may not be in his prime anymore, but he gives Seattle a much-needed veteran presence in its revamped offense.
How Kupp fits alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba — who also plays out of the slot — is a big question Seattle needs to answer.
READ MORE: How Does Kupp Fit With the Seahawks? Examining the WR’s Impact on Seattle’s Offense
In 2024, Kupp played 63% of his snaps in the slot, while Smith-Njigba lined up there on 77% of snaps. As a result, the Seahawks had a league-high 1,689 receiving yards from slot receivers.
However, Darnold only targeted slot receivers 26% of the time with the Minnesota Vikings last season, which ranked 32nd out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks.
The team did sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who can function as a big-bodied outside receiver in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system. Still, they’ll need to determine the best way to maximize two elite slot options.
It’s worth noting that while Kupp is still a key addition, he’s not the same dynamic playmaker he once was. In 2024, Kupp declined in several efficiency categories compared to his previous success:
- Averaged 59.2 receiving yards per game, his lowest since his 2017 rookie year.
- 10.6 yards per reception was his lowest since 2020.
- 4.0 yards after the catch per reception was career-low.
If Kupp is a mentor to Smith-Njigba and a versatile chess piece for Kubiak, this deal could be a steal — especially at a reasonable contract value (for reference, Adams got a two-year, $44 million from the Rams).
However, if Seattle expects 2021-level production from Kupp, the offense may struggle without Lockett and Metcalf.
