Cooper Kupp Lands in a Familiar Spot

Only a few years after claiming the prestigious Triple Crown award in the NFL, Cooper Kupp found himself navigating uncharted waters when he was unexpectedly cut by the Los Angeles Rams. This decision marked a significant shift in Kupp's career, as he transitioned from being a celebrated star to a player searching for a new opportunity. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for the Washington state native to find a new home in a place that is all too familiar: Seattle, Washington.

Competing with teams like the Broncos, Cowboys, Patriots, and Saints for Kupp's services, the Seahawks reportedly secured him on a contract expected to be worth no less than $15 million, as noted by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. An alumnus of Eastern Washington University, Kupp had been actively engaging with Seahawks management as recently as Friday, solidifying their interest. Notably, he opted to forgo interest from non-NFC West teams, setting the stage for potentially thrilling matchups against his former squad twice this season. The official deal, a three-year contract valued at $45 million, underscores Seattle’s commitment to reintegrating a local hero into their lineup. This move comes amid significant changes to the Seahawks' receiving corps, particularly following the release of Tyler Lockett and the trade of DK Metcalf—two major figures in their offense.

Kupp's remarkable 1,947-yard season in 2021 positioned him as a formidable challenger to Calvin Johnson's legendary single-season receiving record. His Triple Crown achievement, which included an astounding 145 receptions and 16 touchdowns, showcased his exceptional skills and consistency. Furthermore, his playoff performance that year was nothing short of sensational, as he amassed 478 receiving yards and six touchdowns, surpassing Hakeem Nicks for the second-most receiving yards in a single postseason. Only Larry Fitzgerald's unforgettable 2008 record loomed larger, yet Kupp capped off his stellar run by earning Super Bowl MVP honors, scoring the pivotal touchdown that secured the championship for the Rams.

Kupp’s ascent to prominence was significantly bolstered by his symbiotic connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford. This partnership proved to be a game-changer compared to his earlier years with Jared Goff, as Kupp played a crucial role in empowering the Rams' offense. The trio of Stafford, Aaron Donald, and Kupp propelled Los Angeles to Super Bowl glory. Despite the Rams having rewarded Kupp with a three-year, $80 million contract extension, his subsequent struggles with injuries led to a difficult turn of events. The Rams opted to restructure his deal, absorbing some dead money to facilitate the change— a clear sign they were ready to move forward, even as they anticipate seeing their former third-round pick back on the field soon.

Over the past two seasons, Kupp has missed 10 games—though it is important to note that two of those absences were not injury-related. Despite these setbacks, when healthy, he has managed to compile an impressive total of 1,447 yards and 11 touchdowns over that span. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations helped generate a competitive market for his talents, but the Seahawks leveraged their geographical advantage. Although Kupp was open to the possibility of leaving the West Coast, his preference was to remain close to home. With the Lockett-Metcalf partnership dismantled, the Seahawks are banking on Kupp’s ability to stay healthy and produce alongside new teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba, justifying this significant investment to ensure their offense remains competitive in the coming seasons. With Kupp and newly signed quarterback Sam Darnold now firmly in the picture, this new-look Seattle offense will have some high expectations entering the 2025 NFL season.