Are the Cowboys Really in the Race for Cooper Kupp?

A Shocking Rumor Sets Cowboys Nation Ablaze

Friday morning kicked off with a jolt for Dallas Cowboys fans as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the team was a “sleeper” contender in the race for former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp. According to Schefter, the Cowboys were “working on a deal” for the veteran receiver, setting off a firestorm of speculation across the NFL community.

At first glance, it seemed like Dallas was in serious contention to land Kupp. However, Schefter later walked back his initial wording, clarifying that the Cowboys were not necessarily the frontrunners in the chase. The mixed signals left fans and analysts questioning whether there was any truth to the rumors.

Conflicting Reports Cast Doubt

Not long after Schefter’s report, several well-connected Cowboys insiders, including Clarence Hill Jr., Calvin Watkins, and David Moore, stated that Dallas was not actively pursuing Kupp. NFL Network’s Jane Slater even dismissed the rumors before Schefter’s report gained traction, further muddling the situation.

This discrepancy led to widespread confusion. Was this a legitimate negotiation, or just another case of the Cowboys being used as leverage in free agency talks?

The Cowboys’ Free Agency Playbook

Cowboys fans have seen this story unfold before. Anytime Dallas is linked to a high-profile free agent, the outcome is usually the same: the front office, led by Jerry Jones, ultimately backs away, citing financial concerns. Time and again, the Cowboys have opted against engaging in bidding wars, preferring to allocate their resources conservatively.

Reports indicate that some suitors have balked at Kupp’s reported asking price of $13-14 million per year. Given the Cowboys’ history, it seems highly unlikely they would break their pattern of free agency frugality for a soon-to-be 32-year-old receiver with an injury history. The last time Dallas spent over $6 million on an outside free agent acquisition was back in 2015—a precedent that does not bode well for a Kupp signing.

Is Cooper Kupp Worth the Gamble?

There’s no denying Kupp’s talent. His 2021 season was legendary, with 1,947 receiving yards and a Super Bowl MVP performance cementing his place among the NFL’s elite. However, injuries have since plagued him, and he hasn’t completed a full season since that career-defining year.

For a team looking to maximize its offensive firepower, Kupp could be a valuable addition. But does he fit into the Cowboys’ long-term vision? Dallas has already invested heavily in CeeDee Lamb as their primary receiver and would likely prefer to develop younger talent rather than pay a premium for a veteran with durability concerns.

The Real Motive Behind the Rumors

So, if the Cowboys aren’t serious contenders for Kupp, why does their name keep surfacing in these discussions?

One possibility is that Kupp’s camp is using Dallas as a bargaining chip. It’s a well-known tactic in the NFL: by linking a big-market team like the Cowboys to a free agent, the player’s perceived value can rise, prompting other teams to increase their offers.

In this case, the Seattle Seahawks appear to be one of the strongest contenders for Kupp. By floating Dallas as a potential landing spot, Kupp’s representatives might be trying to drive up the price for Seattle or any other interested party.

For Cowboys fans, this scenario feels all too familiar. The front office will likely issue a statement about how they “explored the possibility” but ultimately decided against it. Meanwhile, Kupp will sign elsewhere for a sizable contract, and Dallas will continue its conservative approach to free agency.

Final Verdict: Don’t Hold Your Breath

While the idea of Cooper Kupp in a Cowboys uniform is exciting, the reality is far less promising. Dallas has a well-documented history of avoiding big-money free agent signings, and Kupp’s price tag and recent injury history make him an unlikely target.

Barring a major shift in philosophy from Jerry Jones and company, this rumor is little more than smoke and mirrors—a classic case of the Cowboys being used as a name-drop in high-stakes contract negotiations. For now, Cowboys Nation should focus on more realistic roster moves as the team prepares for the upcoming season.