Is Cooper Kupp the Receiver the Packers Have Needed All Along?
By GilMartin
The Green Bay Packers need for a reliable, go-to receiver has been a topic of conversation since their playoff loss to the Eagles in January. During Super Bowl week, running back Josh Jacobs made the rounds at media row and publicly pressed for the team to sign a veteran number one wideout. Yet, since the start of free agency, players that could have helped the Packers have gone elsewhere, one-by-one, with D.K. Metcalf going to the Steelers while Davante Adams moved on to the Rams. But on Wednesday, the Rams announced they were releasing a veteran wideout who just may fit the bill for what the Packers are looking for in Cooper Kupp.
Kupp has his question marks. He’ll turn 32 in June and has not played every game in a season since 2021. The 2021 campaign was a special one where Kupp lead the league in catches with 145, in yards with 1,947; and in touchdown catches with 16.
But even last season, he was productive when he was in the lineup. Kupp caught 67 passes in 12 games, for 710 yards and six touchdowns. That still averages out to 95 catches for 1,005 over a full 17-game schedule.
Kupp has also played under Matt LaFleur before. The Eastern Washington alum joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2017 when LaFleur served as the team’s offensive coordinator. The Rams offense and the Packers offense are both from the Shanahan tree and have many similarities. It wouldn’t take Kupp long to adjust to the Packers playbook if the team were to sign him.
The Packers are looking for an experienced, go-to receiver. Kupp has played eight seasons in the league and certainly could show the Packers young receiving corps how he prepares and practices and some of the finer points to help improve their games. He has been to the Pro Bowl, won a Super Bowl and been named the Super Bowl MVP.
Kupp is no longer the deep threat that he was earlier in his career. Last year, he averaged just 10.6 yards per catch which tied his career low. His yards per target was 7.1, also a career low. Kupp would not replace the injured Christian Watson in the role as deep threat, but he could be a very reliable player who can help the offense be more consistent.
Is Kupp a number one receiver at this point in his career? Probably not. But he is consistent and is the kind of player Jordan Love could look to in order to keep the chains moving. Kupp runs precise routes and unlike many of the Packers other young receivers, he rarely drops the football. Kupp dropped only two passes last season in 100 targets for a drop percentage of 2.0. His career drop percentage is 3.3. By comparison, last season, Dontayvion Wicks had a drop percentage of 11.8 with nine drops on 76 targets.
Kupp also wouldn’t cost the Packers much. They don’t need to give up draft picks to sign him since the Rams released him on Wednesday. They could likely sign him to a one or two-year deal so the risk would not be great. He wouldn’t be as expensive as Metcalf or Adams but wouldn’t have as big of an impact as those players either.
The Packers could also add a wide receiver or two in the draft, including one in the early rounds who could learn from Kupp in the short term before assuming a larger role down the line.
Kupp may not solve all of the Packers problems at receiver, but he still could be a valuable addition at a relatively reasonable price. The risk would be low and if Kupp can stay healthy, the reward could be great.
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Comments (56)
LambeauPlain
March 13, 2025 at 10:05 am
A heavily incentive laden deal teamed with salary around $2-3 M for one year...sure.
Can never have enough Cooper's in the locker room.
He is Mr. Velcro, only runs a 4.6 or so but makes up for it by getting open with a sublime route tree. Intangibles would be his leadership and mentorship of the young men...soon to be joined by another rookie or two. LaFluer would obviously love him on the team.
But he gets injured often because he plays so consistently with a full go, high effort motor and does not shy from contact. I have seen him incredibly pop off the ground after getting leveled....and also stay there writhing in pain. When he missed games...it was because he couldn't even coax 60% performance out ability.
Packers would know what they are getting and won't over offer him. Someone likely will. He's a heck of a football player. Won't surprise me if the Rams brought him back on a bigger one year deal.
crayzpackfan
March 13, 2025 at 11:20 am
If his contract was like this, then sure, why not I guess. Otherwise? No way.
T7Steve
March 13, 2025 at 10:10 am
If you think so, I'm ok with it. Do you really think he could help the others hang onto the ball? If so, I wonder how.
Vachio
March 13, 2025 at 10:54 am
What's hard to figure out about that? Catching the ball is a skill, one Kupp has clearly mastered. Kupp shows the younger players how he mastered the skill, they improve if they put in the work and follow his advice. Simple.
It happens all the time. Just in Packers history, Adams had stone hands as a rookie...he obviously learned. Antonio Freeman had horrible stone hands the first couple of years, then went on to be one of the most reliable pass catchers in the league. Mentorship works.
T7Steve
March 13, 2025 at 12:01 pm
I just thought that catching the ball was more an internal, mental, type of thing to these guys who've been doing it all their lives than a mechanical issue. That they have to work through it themselves. A couple tips and encouragement aren't worth paying a veteran's minimum for, are they? MVS had Cobb for a mentor and drops the ball to this day.
dobber
March 13, 2025 at 10:43 am
The media jumped pretty fast to link Kupp to the Packers.
I'm really not that excited about him. I can see him as a mentor to the room. I can see him as someone the Packers could use in rotation--I think he fits the Wicks/Doubs role in the offense--that might limit the wear and tear. I don't think he brings what the Packers really need which is speed, but he has always been a decent RAC guy. Some are concerned that a vet will "stunt the growth" of younger guys, but at this stage if the younger players can't beat him out in their 3rd and 4th years, you have to wonder what their ceilings are.
The other question is how the Packers bring speed into the offense if they add Kupp through free agency, which shifts the emphasis to the draft. How do you get that guy (a draftee) enough snaps to really impact a defense?
BamaPackFan
March 13, 2025 at 01:27 pm
What good is speed and route running if you drop the ball when it gets there? This is why I think we need Kupp. He can still get open, and he catches the ball. How many drives ended on drops. How many of those might have turned into scoring drives?
jannesbjornson
March 13, 2025 at 05:02 pm
He's not a guy to bring onboard for another place mat on the IR. Score the WRs from this draft.
Starrbrite
March 13, 2025 at 11:47 pm
I’m with Dobber.
WD
March 13, 2025 at 10:59 am
No No No! If Matthew Golden is there at 23 run to the podium. He is not only the fastest WR (4.29) in the draft he is also the most explosive! His record in college proves it. In addition to all his TD passes caught he returned two kickoffs for TDs!
We all agree we need a WR but we also need someone who can stretch the field. The Green and Gold needs Golden. Why spend a fortune on an aging star when you can have a budding super star in the draft? Moreover, at a position we desperately need! Hopefully he is still there.
crayzpackfan
March 13, 2025 at 11:18 am
If Jordan Love has a nice out pass to the blue tent off to the sidelines, then Kupp could be the MVP type player we really need here in GB. SMH
Coldworld
March 13, 2025 at 11:22 am
Kupp is a slot. A big one who wins there by power/strength. Reed is a slot who wins with speed and agility. Neither have really thrived elsewhere. Reed may be our best weapon. While the attraction of a sure handed receiver is real, Kupp does not seem a good bet to help us where help seems most needed.
He’d take snaps from Reed and probably TEs or Wicks over the middle. I don’t think he’d play Doubs role effectively at this point and he’s not replacing Watson. He’d probably take what little opportunities Musgrave might have. Outside of Reed, we’d be a worryingly slow set of front line receivers. That doesn’t seem to fit the long ball heavy offense LaFleur seems to favor.
BamaPackFan
March 13, 2025 at 01:22 pm
How well did Reed work out down the stretch... when we needed help? He virtually disappeared.
EnemyTerritory
March 13, 2025 at 02:26 pm
Yes he did. Some because of a questionable game plan emphasizing a heavy run first offense and because of a general inability of all the WRs to beat man to man coverage. Especially after Watson was gone.
I’m a no on Kupp. He’s not enough to elevate the receiving corps to get over the hump and given upcoming contract extension decisions it’s better to give the established room the snaps. Find a WR in April.
GregC
March 13, 2025 at 11:49 am
I'm in favor of the Packers acquiring Cooper Kupp.....as a wide receivers coach.
NFLfan
March 13, 2025 at 01:32 pm
@Greg C-
Ditto
Alberta_Packer
March 13, 2025 at 12:11 pm
If the Packers are thinking about Cooper Kupp - then why not the cheaper, younger and faster alternative - Jack Bech?
Jack Bech - age 23 - 6'1" - 214 lbs. 4.55 40 time.
Cooper Kupp - age 32 - 6'2" - 204 lbs. 4.62 40 time.
Kupp was an early 3rd round pick. Bech projected to be a mid-2nd to early 3rd round pick. If so, looking at (approximately) a 4yr. 8M contract. Also Bech -like Kupp - has elite hands.
Now the Packers may very well be looking at a more vertical WR threat in the draft. Still drafting a start-of-career Bech would make more sense to me than signing an end-of-career Kupp.
beerandbrats
March 13, 2025 at 12:39 pm
Sorry AP, this was supposed to be a reply because I really liked your argument. I've heard a lot of enthusiasm for Bech here at CHTV. I believe he would be a really good pick because he sounds like a 'go to' guy.
The problem is that he will most likely be gone before we pick at 87. He will still be there when we pick at 54 but that might also be our last chance to get another CB with starting potential (assuming JA does not return). We have some tough choices to make in this draft and I think pick 54 will be the hardest.
Alberta_Packer
March 13, 2025 at 12:58 pm
I agree that Bech is probably gone by 87. However there still may be some good CBs available in Rd. 3. - Quincy Riley, Jacob Parrish, Darien Porter, Zy Alexander - to name a few.
beerandbrats
March 13, 2025 at 01:06 pm
I really like #63 WR Jayden Higgins #66 DT Darius Alexander and #67 CB Darien Porter with pick 54. I want all three of them! #84 WR Jack Bech would be my backup if Higgins is gone. This is why I think pick 54 is a tough choice.
Alberta_Packer
March 13, 2025 at 01:35 pm
Frankly, I think that the Packers would pick Higgins before Bech - which is still good. Now if Gutekunst can select TeSlaa / Thornton Jr. on Day 3 - the Packers WR room will look much different than before.
beerandbrats
March 13, 2025 at 01:47 pm
We're eyeballing the same 4 receivers! I think the first two are starters. The other two make pretty good backup picks if we miss out on the first two.
Alberta_Packer
March 13, 2025 at 07:28 pm
Imagining a post-draft WR room (in part) of:
1. Jayden Higgins (22) - 6'4" - 214 lbs. - RAS of 9.92 - 40 time 4.42
2. Dont'e Thornton Jr. (22) - 6'5" - 205 lbs. - RAS of 9.80 - 40 time 4.30.
OR
3. Isaac TeSlaa (23) - 6'4" - 214 lbs. - RAS of 9.92 - 40 time 4.43
4. Christian Watson (25) IRL - 6'4" - 208 lbs. RAS of 9.96 - 40 time 4.37
We know that Gutekunst and LaFleur like their Receivers big, fast, athletic and physical. So here's hoping.
stockholder
March 13, 2025 at 02:07 pm
TeSlaa /Thornton are perfect.
Surprised you found TeSlaa.
I have Thornton @160 now.
TeSlaa @250.
Bech before Higgins -
But I wouldn't select either if =
Tyler Williams DT is available @54.
And I'll take Ransaw CB Toledo @ 87
23. BPA
54. Tyliek Williams. DT. OSU
87. Caleb Ransaw. DB. Tulane
123. Cam Jackson. DT FL
160. Donte’ Thornton Wr Tenn
200. Dillion Gabriel. QB Oregon
239. Donovan Edwards RB. U/M
250. Isaa TeSlaa. WR. Ark.
jannesbjornson
March 13, 2025 at 05:07 pm
Do not believe Williams leaves round one. He goes fast and low to the QB. A run plugger can be had rd four.
stockholder
March 13, 2025 at 06:11 pm
Williams will never go rd 1.
If he had run 4.6 sure.
Too many guys ahead of him.
The run plugger is Cam Jackson.
And I wouldn't rule out Deone Walker in 2.
jannesbjornson
March 14, 2025 at 12:50 am
4.68, 40 @ 332 Lbs. and led the most dominant D-line in college football in 2024. Shemar Turner another inside guy, but the #23 should be used to move up for Scourton. Will Clark rebound, or regress. This is his make it, or break it draft.
stockholder
March 14, 2025 at 04:39 am
Scourton is a pass for me.
I want the sure starter in J .Campbell
or even Ejbuka.
I'll take the DT at 54.
Clark will rebound.
They've been moving him around like Raji.
That has to stop.
This is a re-stocking draft.
It fits what the packers could use.
But- will Gute Burn it.
jannesbjornson
March 14, 2025 at 09:04 am
Eight years. He has to show @ the Draft, to get that Third Contract.
jannesbjornson
March 14, 2025 at 10:28 am
#23 Nic Scourton DE TxA&M doubt he falls.
#57 Restrepo WR Miami dynamic/move the chains.
#63 Cobee Bryant CB Kansas Cover Corner
#114 Josh Farmer DT Fl.State plays low
#124 Q. Riley CB Lou-ville 1:1 guy
#159 Nick Nash WR San Jose High points the ball.
#194 Dalton Cooper OT OK State bad ass
#237 Dan Jackson S Georgia Senior Bowl
#250 A. Hassanein DE Boise Mid-round guy
I'll stick with the guys I watched the past two years...
stockholder
March 14, 2025 at 10:37 am
I did have Scourton in my first mock.
Either Gute gets Watsons replacement.
Or he takes a DT to replace Slaton.
I'd take the DT in rd 2 for security/2026 cuts.
Bryant is a 3rd rd pick. But I'll bet you Riley goes 1st.
No to Nash - Walker Wr is climbing-
We make this so easy.
It just burns my ass when Gute waste Ammo.
stockholder
March 14, 2025 at 10:46 am
This was my 1st - Ransaw really climbed.
But I get to take the cbs off now due to Hobbs.
27. Nic Scourton. DE T A&M
54. Jonah Savaiinaea. OT Arz.
87. Jaylin Noel. WR. Iowa st.
110. Jack Nelson. OT WI
160 Jake Majors. C. Tex
176. Donte THORNTON JR. WR Tenn.
200 Tommi Hil CB NEB
239 Upton Stout. CBN Ken.
251. Caleb Ransaw . CB Tulane
jannesbjornson
March 14, 2025 at 11:05 am
I want Love to have guys he can count on to catch the ball and get open. Score points. He has Karl and Wyatt to be the stunt guys and he snagged Wooden which was a head scratcher with Donte Stills on the Board? Karl was gold. Clark is getting All-PRO money. He has to show he still deserves the jing. . Les Snead built a SB, D-line the past two drafts--Proactive.
stockholder
March 14, 2025 at 11:17 am
True -
They won't beat the Lions without
better play from the WRS
murf7777
March 13, 2025 at 12:40 pm
I don't believe we need him. He's no longer a difference maker and there's nothing that a day 2 draft pick can't provide depth and maybe some high-end production. In addition, Watson will be back some time around mid-year and he will be ready for a deep run into the playoffs.
Oppy
March 13, 2025 at 12:42 pm
Gil,
No.
TarynsEyes
March 13, 2025 at 01:02 pm
A cheaper version of Adams, but less healthy.
Isn't fast, but gets open.
Catches the ball.
Mentor ability
It wouldn't be a requirement by the FO, but I'd insist on making that mangled mohair looking crap on his face be more presentable.
harleycops
March 13, 2025 at 01:23 pm
If Coop comes for a 1 yr, couple mill contract, I think his experience/skills, tho diminishing, would be good for our young guys, esp holding on to the ball. Watch Coop catches - that guy snags that ball when you think it's by him. Watson is a long way away from recovering from ACL, at least then we'd have new WR blood until then. Maybe he stays healthier & contributes 5-8 TDs. That'd be worth it, I'd say.
harleycops
March 13, 2025 at 01:24 pm
By the way, that muskrat fur on his face could go - I agree with Taryn.
BamaPackFan
March 13, 2025 at 01:16 pm
Cooper is one of the receivers I have wanted since I first learned he would be available. We can get the speed guy in the draft, but the skills Coop has are the most important ones. On 3rd and 6-10, he can run that quick out, past the 1st down marker, and CATCH the ball. I was sickened by the drops this WR corp had. Many hit them in both hands or went right through them and hit them in the stomach. Each time that happened, a drive ended or a TD turned into nothing or 3. I have seen Kupp elevate and contort his body 180 degrees and catch a poorly thrown ball. Each of those missed usually ruin a scoring opportunity. He is exactly what the Packers need - someone you can count on to catch the catchable passes. I also think he is better than some think. The Rams addition of Puca took opportunities from Kupp. Another year removed from injury and he can contrinute greatly. Especially to a team that wants to run the ball. When you get to 3rd and 6, what do you want to do? Throw to a guy who drops it, a lot, or throw it to a guy that only had 2 drops last year?
gsd3
March 13, 2025 at 01:21 pm
Gutey cut Jordy Nelson at 32. I would be shocked if he signed Kupp now.
Oppy
March 13, 2025 at 03:10 pm
Jordy wasn't allowed to walk because he was 32.
Nelson was allowed to walk because he was a 32 year old who had suffered some injuries that reduced his primary weapon of speed, and who when the Packers needed him most (when Aaron Rodgers went down with injury) he decided to start taking plays off instead of working harder to help the stand-in QB.
It just so happens that the Packers had a young Davante Adams on the roster who was coming into his own- and Adams was busting his ass on the field every down through the whistle for the backup QB no matter what the scoreboard looked like.
That's why Jordy Nelson was allowed to go elsewhere. Not because he was 32.
Donald Driver was 37/38 when he retired from the Packers.
Oppy
March 13, 2025 at 09:20 pm
This is one of those topics I'd really value a conversation with dissenting opinion rather than an anonymous thumbs down, but truth be told, the bottom line is people don't want objective fact when it comes to their favorite players. Nelson repeatedly stopped playing through the whistle and gave up on routes while Brett Hundley was under center. Nelson's injuries objectively and demonstrably impacted his speed and ability to cut on a dime. Adams was objectively and demonstrably playing his best ball of his career and proved to be the consummate professional while Rodgers was sidelined with injury. All of these factors had more to do with allowing Jordy Nelson to walk than just his age. Was age a factor? Yeah, if Nelson was 23 it would have been a potentially different story. Was age the metric that was the hard cut-off for the Packers decision to not retain him? No; and again, see Donald Driver for further proof.
Nelson was a great Packers WR for many years, but he made it clear in his final year or two that he wasn't the same player he had been. Some of that was diminished physical ability, but a good deal of it was due to the decisions he made on the field of play, and that's on him.
GregC
March 13, 2025 at 09:47 pm
I don't recall ever reading anything like this about Nelson. Where did you get this info from?
Oppy
March 14, 2025 at 11:04 am
I watch games with my eyes, GregC, and I don't wear green-and-gold goggles to filter out the ugly stuff we don't want to see, that's where I got this info from.
Much like the years where the media / fan narrative was "It's not Rodgers fault none of his WRs can get open", despite the film clearly showing guys like Randall Cobb running free, waving his hands in the air trying to get Rodgers' attention, down after down, and Rodgers just ignoring him and others to take deep shots at Nelson/Adams.. During Nelson's final contract year in GB when Hundley was thrust into the starting role, the film clearly showed Nelson half-assing routes, quitting on routes while the play was still active, etc.. and the media / fan base turned their heads.. but it was all there on film.
Over the years, I've specifically pointed people to plays and games that they can just watch for themselves and see with their own two eyes what is really transpiring, and most people are flat-out too lazy to do so. The truth of the matter is, there is plenty that occurs that isn't covered objectively by sports media, and there is plenty of narrative that gets passed along the media that stems from a single, incorrect source and never gets properly vetted.
My source is watching the games carefully and we can leave it at that because I'm not rolling back to games from 8 years ago and sifting through every pass play with footage of Nelson playing at half-speed/heart or blatantly cutting his routes short well before the whistle is blown to build a catalogue to 'prove' my point in the current year 2025. All I can tell you it was happening, I witnessed it, it was not subjective, and it was a pattern of behavior that was repeated often enough that others I informed of what I was witnessing saw it for themselves when they started paying attention.
GregC
March 14, 2025 at 11:25 am
Very interesting, I don't rewatch games, so I don't have the opportunity see stuff like that. It's not that I'm lazy, it's just that there are lots of other things to do!
Oppy
March 14, 2025 at 12:02 pm
That's fair, GregC.
Didn't mean to be snippy, but I obviously was, and I apologize.
I've had a rough week and frankly, I'm pretty chippy. Sorry.
NFLfan
March 13, 2025 at 01:33 pm
I'd like to trade the WR coaching staff.
dobber
March 13, 2025 at 01:53 pm
NVM...a fake report.
Packers0808
March 13, 2025 at 02:37 pm
Different topic, anyone know story on Mosby as why not tendered? I thought he was a decent ascending player.
LeotisHarris
March 13, 2025 at 07:03 pm
I bet someone know story.
Oppy
March 13, 2025 at 09:22 pm
Chaka know story. Story good guy. Met him in land of lost. Chaka like story.
Oppy
March 13, 2025 at 09:27 pm
I don't know the answer, but outside of the Packers feeling differently about Mosby than you might, it could be that teams have a limited number of tags/tenders they can utilize each season and perhaps they have other players they value more highly they intend to spend the allotment on?
Interesting to see if anyone has more info on this. I'll be honest, I have not been following off season like I used to the last few years, so I can't really inject much but ignorant speculation on the topic.
Bitternotsour
March 13, 2025 at 09:41 pm
people are altogether too concerned with the 46-53rd slots on the roster.
Oppy
March 14, 2025 at 10:44 am
I think that's accurate, Bitter, but part of being a fan of your football team is finding an "underdog" player you feel might be a diamond in the rough and following their rise out of obscurity to hopefully becoming a mainstay of the roster- for a number of fans, myself included, at the very least.
GregC
March 13, 2025 at 09:53 pm
On the official Packers roster, Mosby is listed as an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, along with Zayne Anderson, Bo Melton, Kadeem Telfort, Daniel Whelan, and Emmanuel Wilson. My understanding is that all of these players will be retained. Why would Mosby be any different?