With Sam Darnold’s slowing pace in Weeks 5 and 7, adding another weapon to the throwing game on the perimeter should be considered. This is especially true if the possible addition is a recent Super Bowl champion who is familiar with the offence.
That target, Los Angeles Rams wideout Cooper Kupp, is also available at a bargain.
This Heavy Sports trade proposal seeks to lure the 2022 Super Bowl winner away to enhance a potential run with the Vikings.
The Vikings get:
Cooper Kupp
The Rams get:
2026 second-round pick
2026 sixth-round selection (via LAR)
Kupp, 31, has 18 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown after seven weeks. He was a Pro Bowler in 2021, leading the NFL in catches with 145, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns.
Injuries have caught up with him.
Vikings can trade for Cooper Kupp at a discounted rate.
Kupp, 31, has played only two games in 2024 due to a hamstring injury. He has played in no more than 12 games since the 2021 season, his only season with a complete slate of games.
That is most certainly a key reason in the Rams’ willingness to absorb part of his remaining salary.
Despite his flaws, if Kupp is available at a lower cost, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may be able to justify the investment.
“The Los Angeles Rams have spoken with teams about a potential trade involving star wide receiver Cooper Kupp, league sources said,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Michael Silver, and Jourdan Rodrigue wrote on October 22.
“According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the Rams expressed an interest in taking on some of Kupp’s remaining money in 2024. Kupp’s base salary going into the season was $15 million, with a cap of $29 million. According to Over the Cap, he is also scheduled to receive a $7.5 million roster bonus in March, with $5 million guaranteed. According to those people, the Rams told them they were looking for a second-round draft pick.
Kupp is familiar with the Vikings’ scheme and head coach Kevin O’Connell.
O’Connell was the Rams’ offensive coordinator during their championship run. However, with Kupp expected to generate a lot of interest and the Vikings possessing four picks in 2025, the draft money could be difficult to manage.
Only one of their picks, a first-rounder, is among the top 160.
The Vikings have $10.2 million in cap space, according to OTC. Kupp is in year one of a three-year, $80.1 million contract. According to Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti, he is owed $9.1 million in guaranteed compensation in 2024, which will increase to $20 million in 2025 and $19.5 million in 2026.
Cooper Kupp Could Be A Security Blanket For Sam Darnold And Insurance For Jordan Addison
The Vikings are well positioned to support Kupp if they trade for him. They already have a lot of wide receiver options, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and the rising Jalen Nailor. They also have two Pro Bowl players: tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones.
Hockenson, Jefferson, Jones, and Nailor, like Kupp, have missed significant amounts of time due to injury in recent seasons.
Hockenson has not played in 2024 after damaging his knee ligaments in Week 17 of 2023.
Adding Kupp might reduce the burden and workload – and so wear and tear – on all of the playmakers. Most importantly, it would provide another weapon for Darnold, who led the NFL in touchdown passes through the first four weeks but has only one in the last two games.
Kupp would be a luxury addition to be sure. But he might pay huge rewards for the Vikings this season and in 2025, when J.J. McCarthy could take over at quarterback.
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