Cooper Kupp: Returning Home to Empower Seahawks’ Offense
Former wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, Cooper Kupp, has inked a three-year, $45 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This strategic move helps fill the Seahawks’ receiver void after parting ways with Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. Additionally, it brings Kupp back to his roots in Washington, having grown up about 140 miles from Seattle in Yakima and attending college at Eastern Washington before being drafted by the Rams in 2017. His return was set in motion after the Rams released him due to unsuccessful trade attempts. Expressing his excitement, Kupp posted on X, “Washington back across my chest. Let’s go!!!!!”
The signing of Kupp signifies the latest in a series of significant changes to the Seahawks’ offensive lineup. Following the trade of quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle secured Sam Darnold as his successor. Additionally, the Seahawks made headlines by releasing Lockett and trading Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers. As the MVP of Super Bowl LVI, Kupp joins forces with Marquez Valdes-Scantling, enhancing Seattle’s receiving corps alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who tallied 1,130 yards in the 2024 season, his sophomore year.
Kupp’s journey with the Rams ended as the new league year began on Wednesday, concluding an eight-season stint. Drafted in the third round of 2017 as part of Sean McVay’s initial draft class, Kupp rose to prominence as an exceptional slot receiver. Notably, he logged 62 receptions as a newcomer and reached over 90 catches in his third and fourth seasons. His standout year arrived in 2021 when he led the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and touchdowns (16), securing his only Pro Bowl nod and the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year title. His performance culminated in earning Super Bowl MVP, catching eight passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns as the Rams triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Following his stellar 2021 season, Kupp signed a substantial contract extension worth $80.1 million for three years. However, injuries began to plague him, limiting him to just 33 games over the subsequent three seasons. Despite his return to form in the 2024 season, with 67 catches for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games, the Rams sought to trade him against his wishes to stay. His $20 million salary, however, deterred potential buyers, resulting in his release. Throughout his career, Kupp has amassed an impressive 634 receptions for 7,776 receiving yards and scored 58 touchdowns, 57 of which were through catches.