The Packers’ Missed Opportunity: Should They Have Signed Cooper Kupp?

A Star Receiver Slips Away

The Green Bay Packers had a golden opportunity to secure one of the most reliable and experienced wide receivers in the NFL this offseason. Cooper Kupp, a former All-Pro and Super Bowl MVP, was available after his release from the Los Angeles Rams. Given the Packers’ need for a seasoned pass-catcher to support their young receiving corps, many believe Green Bay’s general manager Brian Gutekunst should have done everything possible to sign him. Instead, Kupp chose to return to his home state, signing a three-year, $45 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks.

Why Kupp Made Sense for Green Bay

Green Bay’s receiving unit is talented but inexperienced. Young wideouts like Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Romeo Doubs showed promise last season but struggled with consistency, leading to one of the league’s highest drop rates. The Packers’ receivers collectively had the most dropped passes in 2024, a statistic that cost them crucial games. Adding a seasoned veteran like Kupp could have provided the leadership and reliability that the team desperately needed.

Beyond mentorship, Kupp’s ability to make tough catches in key moments would have given quarterback Jordan Love a trusted target. His skill in route running, positioning, and catching in traffic could have elevated Green Bay’s offense, making them a more formidable contender in the NFC.

The Injury Concerns

Despite Kupp’s stellar resume, there are valid concerns regarding his durability. Since his historic 2021 season, where he won the Receiving Triple Crown with 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns, injuries have plagued his career. He missed eight games in 2022, five in 2023, and another five in 2024. In the past two-and-a-half seasons, Kupp played only 24 out of 42 possible games.

Even when he was on the field last season, his efficiency declined. He caught 67 passes for 710 yards in 12 games, but his success rate on key downs ranked 71st among receivers with at least 50 targets. This raises questions about whether he can still perform at an elite level or if his best years are behind him.

Seattle’s Gain, Green Bay’s Loss

Kupp’s decision to join the Seahawks makes sense from both a financial and personal perspective. He grew up in Yakima, Washington, and starred at Eastern Washington University, making Seattle a natural fit. With the Seahawks offering him a lucrative three-year deal, Green Bay would have had to significantly outbid them to land the veteran receiver.

For Gutekunst and the Packers, the question remains: Was the risk worth the reward? On one hand, signing Kupp could have stabilized the receiving corps and provided a mentor for young players. On the other hand, committing significant cap space to a 32-year-old receiver with an injury history could have been a costly gamble.

Did Green Bay Make the Right Call?

Kupp himself remains confident in his ability to perform at a high level. After signing with Seattle, he expressed strong belief in his skills, dismissing doubts about his decline.

“If I wasn’t seeing that on tape, if I wasn’t able to make that stuff come to life, I wouldn’t be playing football anymore,” Kupp said. “I still see myself playing this game at a very high level. I see myself as an ascending player. Any narrative that is any different is just someone that hasn’t watched a whole lot of film.”

While Kupp’s confidence is admirable, Green Bay ultimately chose not to take the risk. Whether this decision will haunt them remains to be seen, but if the young Packers receivers continue to struggle with consistency, fans and analysts may look back at this missed opportunity with regret.