Some teams view his demands as “insane” for his age and injury history.
Cooper Kupp, the former Super Bowl MVP and one of the NFL’s most celebrated wide receivers, officially hit the free agency market on March 12, 2025, after being released by the Los Angeles Rams. At 31 years old, Kupp’s journey to this point has been marked by incredible highs, including his historic 2021 season where he led the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, earning him the receiving triple crown and Super Bowl LVI MVP honors. However, injuries and declining production in recent years have complicated his value in the open market. Now, as teams vie for his services, the central question revolves around his asking price and which teams are willing to meet it. Let’s break down the dynamics of Kupp’s free agency, his reported demands, and the factors influencing his next move.
Kupp’s Asking Price: The Numbers
Kupp’s release from the Rams came after the team failed to find a trade partner, largely due to his hefty contract. He was set to earn $20 million in 2025, with a cap hit of $29.78 million, making a trade unfeasible for most teams. Now a free agent, Kupp is looking to secure a deal that reflects his belief in his ability to still contribute at a high level, despite his age and injury history.
Reports indicate that Kupp’s initial asking price has been a sticking point for interested teams. Sources suggest he is seeking a contract in the range of $13-15 million per year, though he might be willing to take less for a preferred destination, particularly a contender. Some teams believe $12 million per year is a more realistic figure, but this is still considered “too much” for others, given Kupp’s recent performance and injury concerns. For context, Kupp’s previous deal with the Rams, signed in 2022, was a three-year, $80.1 million contract, giving him an annual average salary of $26.7 million—far above what he’s likely to command now.
Former #Rams WR Cooper Kupp is asking for $25+ million on the open market.
— Stacy Rect (@StacyRectNFL) March 13, 2025
One NFL executive said “Patriots are willing to give him a brinks truck but not the whole bank”
More on free agency to come from @StacyRectNFL
The discrepancy between Kupp’s asking price and teams’ willingness to pay stems from several factors. At nearly 32 years old (he turns 32 in June 2025), Kupp is no longer in his prime, and his injury history—failing to play more than 12 games in each of the last three seasons—raises concerns about durability. However, when healthy, Kupp remains an effective receiver. In 2024, he averaged 59.2 yards per game, which would have put him on pace for a 1,006-yard season over 17 games. While he’s unlikely to be a No. 1 option, Kupp’s skill set as a high-end WR2 or WR3 makes him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their passing game.
Teams in the Mix
Several teams have been linked to Kupp, each with varying levels of interest and financial flexibility. The Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks have been reported as “very interested,” with both teams looking to retool their wide receiver rooms. For the Cowboys, Kupp would complement CeeDee Lamb and fit well with Dak Prescott’s strengths, potentially becoming their biggest free-agent signing in recent history. The Seahawks, meanwhile, have already made significant changes, releasing Tyler Lockett and trading DK Metcalf, and Kupp’s familiarity with Seattle pass game coordinator Jake Peetz (from their time together with the Rams) could make this a natural fit.
Other teams mentioned include the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos. The Packers, in particular, are an intriguing option, given Kupp’s ties to head coach Matt LaFleur (his offensive coordinator during his rookie year) and Matt’s brother, Mike LaFleur, who worked with Kupp in recent seasons. The Packers are also dealing with injuries at the receiver position, making Kupp a potential plug-and-play solution. The Broncos, led by Sean Payton, have been “firmly in the mix,” with reports suggesting Kupp might prefer Denver due to its offensive scheme and competitive outlook. However, teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, and Houston Texans are reportedly less likely to pursue him, either due to financial constraints or a lack of fit.
The New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders have also been mentioned as dark horses. The Saints, with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, could see Kupp as a veteran complement, while the Raiders, potentially looking to trade Michael Mayer, might view Kupp as a piece to build around, especially given Tom Brady’s reported admiration for the receiver.
Factors Influencing Kupp’s Decision
Kupp’s decision will likely hinge on several factors beyond just money. First, he has expressed a desire to compete for a championship, which could lead him to prioritize contenders over rebuilding teams. This might explain why teams like the Patriots, despite having significant cap space and interest, are not considered frontrunners—Kupp is reportedly curious about New England but might prefer a team with immediate title aspirations.
Second, Kupp’s familiarity with coaching staffs and offensive systems could play a role. His connections with the Packers, Seahawks, and Broncos give those teams an edge, as Kupp values environments where he can quickly integrate and contribute. Third, geography and lifestyle considerations might factor in, with some reports suggesting Kupp prefers to stay on the West Coast, which could boost the chances of teams like the Seahawks or Broncos.
Finally, Kupp’s asking price will need to align with market realities. Posts on X indicate that while Kupp is seeking $12-15 million annually, he might accept less to join a contender. However, some teams view his demands as “insane” for his age and injury history, with one league source suggesting the Patriots are willing to offer significant money but not “the whole bank.” This suggests Kupp might need to lower his expectations to widen his list of potential landing spots.
The Market Context
Kupp’s free agency comes at a time when the veteran wide receiver market is crowded with talent. Other notable free agents include Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Tyler Lockett, Brandin Cooks, and Tim Patrick, creating competition for teams’ attention and cap space. This oversaturation could lead to bargain deals, as teams weigh the cost-benefit of signing a player like Kupp versus younger, less proven options.
Additionally, Kupp’s release was part of a broader shift in the Rams’ philosophy. After winning Super Bowl 56, the team has pivoted toward a younger, cheaper roster, with third-year star Puka Nacua emerging as the centerpiece of their passing game. Kupp’s exit, while emotional—he expressed disappointment at not finishing his career in LA—was inevitable, given the financial and strategic considerations.
What’s Next?
Kupp is expected to make a decision soon, potentially as early as Friday, March 14, 2025. Reports suggest he prefers a quick process and is unlikely to take extensive free-agent visits, indicating he has a shortlist of preferred destinations. The Broncos, Cowboys, Seahawks, and Packers are among the teams to watch, with the Saints and Raiders as potential wild cards.
Ultimately, Kupp’s asking price will be the deciding factor. If he sticks to his $13-15 million range, he might limit his options to teams with significant cap space and a willingness to invest in a veteran. However, if he’s open to taking less—potentially in the $10-12 million range—he could find himself with more suitors, particularly contenders looking for a reliable, experienced receiver.
As the NFL free agency period continues, Kupp’s decision will be one of the most closely watched storylines. For a player who has achieved so much—Super Bowl MVP, All-Pro honors, and a triple crown—his next chapter will be about balancing financial security, competitive aspirations, and personal fit. Wherever he lands, Kupp’s impact on the field and in the locker room will be felt, as teams hope he has at least one more productive season left in the tank.
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