“A Mutual Agreement: Broncos GM George Paton Provides an Encouraging and Exciting Update on Landing Elite WR Cooper Kupp

A recent report suggested the Denver Broncos were not interested in trading for Cooper Kupp. Ultimately, no team acquired Kupp, as the Los Angeles Rams abandoned their trade efforts and instead released the former All-Pro wide receiver. Now that Kupp is a free agent, Denver appears to have serious interest in signing him.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kupp himself is intrigued by the idea of joining the Broncos. Speaking on Altitude Sports 92.3 FM, Schefter stated that if Kupp had his way, “he would like to be in Denver.” The Broncos, in turn, seem to be considering him as well. Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz further reported that Denver is “firmly in the mix” to sign the veteran wideout.

At 31 years old, Kupp is expected to command a contract around $12 million per year. With multiple teams—including the New England Patriots—showing interest, Schultz believes Kupp’s market value will likely be met. While Kupp has reportedly preferred to remain on the West Coast, Denver remains an attractive option, even if geographically outside his ideal range.

The Broncos already have a top-tier contested-catch receiver in Courtland Sutton, a two-time 1,000-yard playmaker who excels as an outside target. However, beyond Sutton, Denver’s receiving corps consists mostly of unproven, young talent. Marvin Mims, a promising second-year player with two first-team All-Pro nods as a returner, showed flashes of potential late last season. Additionally, rookies Troy Franklin—Bo Nix’s former college teammate—and Devaughn Vele bring intrigue but remain untested at the NFL level. Given this mix of youth and inexperience, adding a seasoned veteran like Kupp could significantly bolster the offense.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton previously stated that tight end was a bigger priority than wide receiver, and the team addressed that need by signing Evan Engram to a two-year, $23 million contract, with $16.5 million guaranteed. If Kupp lands in a similar financial range, Denver could afford him despite the $30 million-plus dead cap hit they are carrying from Russell Wilson’s contract. With rookie quarterback Bo Nix on a cost-controlled deal through 2026, the Broncos have some financial flexibility, even as Wilson’s contract remains a factor for 2025.

Engram is expected to serve as a reliable short- and mid-range target for Nix, while Mims offers deep-threat capabilities. However, adding Kupp would provide a steady and experienced presence, particularly beneficial for a young quarterback adjusting to the NFL. That said, teams remain wary of Kupp’s durability, as he has missed 18 games—mainly due to ankle injuries—since his historic 2021 campaign.

Kupp’s 2021 season remains one of the most dominant by a wide receiver in NFL history. He totaled 1,947 receiving yards in the regular season, followed by 478 yards and six touchdowns in the playoffs, ultimately securing Super Bowl LVI MVP honors. While he has not replicated that level of production, Kupp still averaged 90.2 yards per game in 2022 and recorded 11 touchdown receptions over the past two seasons. Even last year, with Puka Nacua emerging as the Rams’ top receiver, Kupp managed three 100-yard games.

With other veteran receivers like Stefon Diggs, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, and Tyler Lockett also available, teams have multiple options. However, Kupp’s unexpected release could make him one of the most sought-after names in the market.