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Could the Patriots land Cooper Kupp now that he’s a free agent?
"Kupp is curious about the prospect of playing in New England."
Cooper Kupp is reportedly hitting the open market.
The 31-year-old wide receiver is officially being released by the Rams today after Los Angeles was unable to find a trade partner for him, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
That stands as good news for the Patriots, who still have more than $100 million in cap space and are in desperate need of a playmaker after coming up short in the pursuit of other wideout targets like DK Metcalf, Chris Godwin, and Tee Higgins.
Of course, Kupp being a free agency means any of the other 31 teams in the NFL could sign him — with several contenders likely valuing what the veteran could bring as more of a No. 2 option on their depth chart.
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But according to the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan, Kupp has reportedly shown some interest in joining a Patriots team that could use an established playmaker.
“According to a league source, Kupp is curious about the prospect of playing in New England and has shared that curiosity with some close to him,” Callahan wrote. “Kupp has personal and professional connections to Patriots, starting with ex-college teammate and fellow wideout Kendrick Bourne, who has repeatedly advocated for Kupp to come to New England on social media. The two remain friendly, sources say.”
Kupp is not the same player that recorded 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns en route to a Super Bowl run in 2021. But, the veteran would easily be the top wideout on New England’s depth chart.
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This past season, Kupp had 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns. He torched New England in a 28-22 win at Gillette Stadium on Nov. 17, reeling in six catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
Even if the Patriots have both the money and the desire to add a receiver like Kupp in free agency, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer warned Tuesday on NBC Sports Boston that a team like New England may not be the most attractive option for the veteran, especially on the open market.
“I think a lot of it is going to come down to his options,” Breer said on Arbella Early Edition. “If he has a chance to go contend for a championship, I think he takes it.
“What happens if Jacksonville offers him a good deal? That’s another (destination with) no state income tax. He knows the new head coach there, Liam Coen. They’d be asking him to come in and be the guy that would be able to start up their culture. That’s sort of where I see this: The connections that helped the Patriots over the last couple of days get some of these guys might give us an idea of where Cooper Kupp might wind up.”
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