The Seattle Seahawks traded away their top receiver, D.K. Metcalf, to the Steelers earlier this offseason. After several disappointing seasons, the Seahawks decided a roster shakeup was in order, moving on from Metcalf and QB Geno Smith. To replace Smith, Seattle signed former Vikings QB Sam Darnold. To replace Metcalf, the team is hoping 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba steps up. But they almost signed former Los Angeles Ram Cooper Kupp.
CBS Sports named Kupp a potential bounce-back candidate in 2025. After a stretch as one of the best receivers in the NFL, Kupp has been plagued by injuries over the last three seasons, and the Rams chose to go in a different direction. The Seahawks are hoping he can regain at least some of his old form. Here’s what Joel Corry had to say:
“Ankle and hamstring injuries and 2023 fifth-round pick Puka Nacua’s emergence made the Rams comfortable moving on from Kupp. The Rams released Kupp in March after a trade market never materialized. He had two years worth $39.58 million remaining on his contract. Kupp, who turned 32 in June, hadn’t had a 1,000-yard receiving season since 2021 when he won the receiving triple crown.
The Rams clearly didn’t have an issue paying an older wide receiver. Davante Adams, who will be 33 in late December, was signed to a two-year, $44 million contract with $26 million fully guaranteed. Kupp gets to face the Rams twice a season because he stayed in the NFC West. He signed a three-year, $45 million deal with $26.5 million in guarantees a few days after the Rams released him.”
Cooper Kupp was Once One of the Best Receivers in the NFL
Jane Gershovich/GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 7: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Seattle Seahawks signs autorgraphs before the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lumen Field on August 7, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
Kupp was a third-round pick out of Eastern Washington by the Rams in 2017. He jumped onto the scene as a rookie with 869 yards, but only played in eight games in 2018 due to injury.
His breakout came in 2019, when he had 94 catches for 1,161 yards and 10 touchdowns, cementing himself as a go-to option in the Rams’ offense. That paled in comparison to what he did in 2021, when he won the receiving “triple crown” with 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Rams won a Super Bowl that year, and Kupp had a case as the best receiver in the league.
Since then, however, it’s been tough sledding for Kupp. He hasn’t had more than 812 receiving yards or six touchdowns in the three seasons since, and he’s looking to bounce back in Seattle.
The Seattle Seahawks Need Kupp to be Productive
Smith-Njigba is the Seahawks’ unquestioned top option in the passing game this season. But they need Kupp to be a quality No. 2. To his credit, Kupp performed well next to Rams WR Puka Nacua when healthy — but staying healthy has been an issue for him in recent seasons.
A decreased workload next to Smith-Njigba should help him, and it might put less pressure on Kupp week-to-week. This could help him stay healthier, although he was in a similar situation last year next to Nacua.
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