NBC Sports recently reported that the Dallas Cowboys were keen on acquiring Cooper Kupp until the financial implications became apparent. Jerry Jones and his team experienced a case of sticker shock, leaving fans to ponder what might have been. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, via Clarence Hill of All City DLLS, the Cowboys “made a push” for Kupp last Thursday.

Schefter revealed that Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb were reportedly on the phone with Kupp, discussing the possibility of him joining the team, envisioning a formidable Lamb-Kupp duo dominating at AT&T Stadium. Kupp’s connections to the Cowboys run deep; his father, Craig, was a quarterback for the team in 1991, and his grandfather, Jake, played as an offensive lineman in the 1960s.

Moreover, receivers coach Junior Adams had coached Kupp at Eastern Washington, making it seem like a perfect fit. However, the financial aspect proved to be a hurdle. Schefter mentioned that Kupp’s asking price, rumored to be around $15 million annually, was beyond what the Cowboys were willing to pay. Since Brandon Carr’s $50.1 million deal in 2012, the Cowboys haven’t spent big on free agents, and with Lamb already secured at $136 million over four years, adding an expensive second receiver was likely unfeasible.

Ultimately, Kupp signed with the Seattle Seahawks on a reported three-year, $45 million contract, leaving Dallas with Parris Campbell as their sole outside wide receiver acquisition so far. Kupp remains a formidable talent, having recorded 67 catches, 710 yards, and six touchdowns in just 12 games last season with the Rams, despite injury setbacks. Social media buzzed with fans dreaming of him catching passes from Prescott, but reality hit hard.

One user commented that “the Cowboys weren’t about to pay Kupp $15 million annually at this stage,” reflecting the sentiment that Dallas avoided a hefty expense. For a team active in free agency, with additions like Payton Turner and Kaiir Elam, missing out on Kupp stings a bit. Cowboys Nation is now left wondering if they’ll turn to another veteran like Amari Cooper or look to the draft for a complementary receiver to Lamb. The clock is ticking.