As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for another offseason of strategic player acquisitions, one name that’s been swirling in the rumor mill is Los Angeles Rams’ standout wide receiver, Cooper Kupp. With reports circulating from ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Rams might be poised to release Kupp unless a suitable trade comes along, the question on everyone’s mind is: Could Kupp be headed to the Twin Cities?
The doors to the new league year open this Wednesday, and if Kupp becomes a free agent, there’s significant chatter suggesting Minnesota as a logical landing spot. Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune has certainly added fuel to that fire.
During a chat on KFXN-FM’s “The Paul Allen Show,” Goessling laid out why he believes Kupp could potentially don the Vikings’ colors. “There’s a strong appreciation for Kupp among Minnesota’s coaching ranks,” Goessling explained, citing the enthusiasm of coaches like Kevin O’Connell and Wes Phillips.
From his prowess as a run blocker to his knack for bringing innovative ideas to the offense, Kupp seems tailor-made for the Vikings’ playbook.
But, as with every tantalizing possibility in professional sports, it all boils down to the economics of a deal. Goessling notes that while Kupp wouldn’t come at a bargain-basement price, he might not break the bank either if he enters free agency.
So, what would the price tag look like for snatching up a player of Kupp’s caliber? According to Spotrac, Kupp’s market value is pegged at around $11 million per season.
For the Vikings, who might be considering Kupp as a potential No. 3 receiver, a more modest offer—perhaps akin to the one-year, $7 million deal they handed cornerback Stephon Gilmore last offseason—might be more in their ballpark.
As the clock ticks toward the start of the new league year at 3 p.m. CST on Wednesday, Vikings fans are eagerly watching to see if Kupp will be bringing his talents to Minnesota next season.
The suspense is palpable, but the wait is almost over. Stay tuned, because the NFL’s offseason is about to get a whole lot more interesting.