Since their January playoff defeat to the Eagles, the Green Bay Packers have been discussing the necessity for a dependable, go-to receiver. During Super Bowl week, running back Josh Jacobs made the rounds on media row, loudly urging the team to sign a veteran number one receiver. However, since the start of free agency, players who may have aided the Packers have left, one by one, with D.K. Metcalf moving to the Steelers and Davante Adams going to the Rams. However, on Wednesday, the Rams announced the release of a seasoned wide receiver who may fit the bill for what the Packers are looking for in Cooper Kupp.
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Kupp has some question marks. He will be 32 in June and has not played every game in a season since 2021. The 2021 season was particularly memorable, with Kupp leading the league in catches (145), yards (1,947), and touchdown catches (16).
However, even last season, he was productive when in the lineup. Kupp caught 67 catches in 12 games, totaling 710 yards and six touchdowns. That still equates to 95 catches for 1,005 yards over a 17-game season.
Kupp has previously played under Matt LaFleur. The Eastern Washington alum joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2017, when LaFleur was the offensive coordinator. The Rams and Packers offenses are also from the Shanahan tree and share numerous similarities. If the Packers sign Kupp, it won’t take him long to adjust to the team’s playbook.
The Packers are looking for an experienced, reliable receiver. Kupp has eight seasons in the NFL and could probably educate the Packers’ young receiving corps how he prepares and practices, as well as some of the finer elements that can help them better their skills. He has appeared in the Pro Bowl, won a Super Bowl, and been awarded Super Bowl MVP.
Kupp is no longer a deep danger like he was early in his career. Last year, he averaged 10.6 yards per reception, tying a career low. His yards per target was 7.1, a career low. Kupp would not replace the injured Christian Watson as a deep danger, but he may be a dependable player who can help the offense become more consistent.
Is Kupp a number one receiver at this stage in his career? Probably not. However, he is steady and the type of player Jordan Love could rely on to keep the chains running. Kupp runs accurate routes and, unlike many of the Packers’ other young receivers, rarely drops the ball.
Last season, Kupp dropped only two passes out of 100 targets, for a 2.0 percent drop rate. His career drop rate is 3.3%. In comparison, last season, Dontayvion Wicks had a drop percentage of 11.8 with nine drops on 76 targets.
Kupp would also be cost-effective for the Packers. They do not have to give up draft picks to sign him because the Rams released him on Wednesday. They could certainly sign him to a one- or two-year contract, so the risk would be minimal. He would be less expensive than Metcalf or Adams, but he would also have a less influence.
The Packers might also acquire a wide receiver or two in the draft, potentially one in the early rounds who can learn from Kupp in the short term before taking on a greater role later.
Kupp may not answer all of the Packers’ receiver needs, but he might be a valuable addition at an affordable price. The danger is minor, and if Kupp stays healthy, the payoff might be significant.
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