To Dallas, Cooper Kupp? Cowboys’making a push’ to sign a former wide receiver for the Rams
The Cowboys’ Wide Receiver Depth
While the Cowboys have CeeDee Lamb, one of the NFL’s most talented young wide receivers, the team’s depth at the position has often been a topic of conversation. Lamb has consistently been Dak Prescott’s primary target, and his performance has been impressive. However, beyond Lamb, the Cowboys’ receiving corps has lacked the consistency needed to truly elevate the offense, particularly in high-stakes moments like the postseason.
Signing Cooper Kupp would certainly provide that second elite target the Cowboys have been looking for. Kupp’s ability to stretch the field and make contested catches would complement Lamb’s skill set, creating mismatches for opposing defenses.
While the Cowboys did bring in veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks via trade with the Houston Texans in the 2024 offseason, Cooks has shown signs of aging and struggles with consistency due to injuries. Bringing in a player of Kupp’s caliber could alleviate some of the pressure from Lamb while also pushing Cooks to improve or face more competition for playing time.
Dak Prescott’s Development and Offensive Potential
Dak Prescott has had his ups and downs over the past few seasons, facing challenges with turnovers and inconsistency at times. However, adding a player like Cooper Kupp to the roster could unlock his full potential. Prescott has shown flashes of brilliance, especially in 2021 when he set a career-high in passing touchdowns. But in high-pressure games, especially in the postseason, the offense has been prone to mistakes. The presence of Kupp, a reliable receiver with an impeccable ability to make plays in crucial moments, would help alleviate some of the pressure on Prescott to carry the offense alone.
Kupp’s skillset would give Prescott a dependable target in the short, intermediate, and deep areas of the field. This versatility would allow the Cowboys to run a more dynamic offense that can effectively attack defenses in different ways.
Kupp’s Recent Injury History
One of the reasons for skepticism regarding the Cowboys’ pursuit of Kupp is his injury history. After his dominant 2021 season, Kupp’s performance dipped in 2022 and 2023 due to a combination of injuries and the Rams’ struggles as a whole. In 2022, Kupp was placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, which limited his availability and production. He missed the majority of the 2023 season due to lingering issues, but when healthy, Kupp still displayed the skillset that made him one of the most dangerous receivers in the league.
In 2025, teams are likely to approach Kupp with caution, considering both his injury history and his age (turning 31 in June). While Kupp is still an exceptional talent, signing him could be a risk, especially if his health issues persist. The Cowboys will need to weigh this risk carefully, especially as they consider their salary cap and long-term roster construction.
Other Potential Suitors for Kupp
As mentioned, the Cowboys are not alone in their pursuit of Cooper Kupp. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints are also actively seeking to sign the veteran wide receiver.
- Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks, led by head coach Pete Carroll, have been in a rebuilding phase after trading away Russell Wilson in 2022, but they are a team on the rise. They have a talented quarterback in Geno Smith, and pairing Kupp with rising star DK Metcalf could create one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the NFL. The Seahawks’ offense has the potential to flourish with a player like Kupp, especially as they continue to build a competitive team in the NFC West.
- New Orleans Saints: The Saints, under head coach Dennis Allen, have shown flashes of potential but remain in need of a true No. 1 wide receiver. Michael Thomas has struggled with injuries for several seasons now, and while Chris Olave is an emerging star, Kupp could be the missing piece that elevates the offense. The Saints’ ability to provide Kupp with a leadership role in an offense that’s finding its footing under Derek Carr could appeal to the veteran receiver.
Both of these teams, along with the Cowboys, will be contending for Kupp’s services in a crowded free-agent market. If Kupp values stability and the potential for a Super Bowl push, the Cowboys would seem like an ideal destination, but other teams could offer more immediate opportunities or better fit his personal preferences.
Salary Cap Considerations and Future Financial Implications
The Cowboys’ pursuit of Kupp also ties into their broader financial strategy, especially as they look toward upcoming contract extensions. Micah Parsons, arguably the most dominant defensive player in the NFL today, is expected to command a massive contract extension after the 2025 season. It’s widely anticipated that Parsons will demand a contract north of $40 million per year, making him the highest-paid defender in the league.
The Cowboys will need to navigate their salary cap carefully in the coming years, balancing major investments like Parsons’ extension with potential signings such as Kupp. If they are to sign Kupp, it will likely require them to make some difficult decisions, such as reworking contracts or possibly letting go of players with hefty salaries.
The Impact on Other Areas of the Cowboys’ Roster
Beyond wide receiver, the Cowboys have several key positions they need to address this offseason. While their defense, led by Parsons, has been one of the most dominant in the league, the offense still has areas to improve. Aside from the wide receiver position, the Cowboys will need to continue developing their offensive line, as Prescott has faced significant pressure at times, leading to struggles with turnovers and inconsistent play.
Moreover, the Cowboys’ running back room has been in flux following Ezekiel Elliott’s departure in 2024. Tony Pollard is set to take over as the lead back, but the Cowboys will need to ensure they have the right supporting cast to maintain a balanced offense. The team could look to add a backup or complementary running back through the draft or free agency.
The Cowboys’ Vision for the 2025 Season
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys’ pursuit of Cooper Kupp is just one piece of a much larger puzzle as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. The addition of a proven wide receiver like Kupp would significantly improve their offense, providing Dak Prescott with a reliable target alongside CeeDee Lamb. However, with Kupp’s injury history and the financial implications of such a move, it remains to be seen whether Dallas can seal the deal.
Regardless of the outcome, the Cowboys’ offseason moves will be critical to their championship aspirations. With key decisions regarding their roster, salary cap management, and future player contracts on the horizon, Dallas is at a crossroads as they aim to build a team capable of competing for a Super Bowl. The potential acquisition of Kupp, while exciting, is just one of many moves the Cowboys will need to make to solidify their place as a legitimate title contender.
As the free-agent market continues to evolve and more decisions are made, the Cowboys will need to stay active in pursuit of talent that can elevate both their offense and defense. Whether or not Kupp lands in Dallas, the vision for the 2025 season is clear: Super Bowl or bust.