Seahawks earn respectable grade for signing Cooper Kupp in free agency

Pro Football Network gives Seahawks a "B" grade for signing former division rival

Nov 6, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) runs for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Seattle Seahawks can't seem to go more than a few hours without making a controversial move. After swapping out quarterback Geno Smith for Sam Darnold and trading away two of the most accomplished receivers in franchise history, the team signed former Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp. 

The former Super Bowl MVP was released by Los Angeles and fielded several offers before inking a three-year, $45 million deal with the Seahawks. While there was a clear need at wide receiver, there's definitely some risk with signing the 31-year-old to such an expensive contract.

Kupp has missed at least five games in each of the last three seasons, and hasn't topped 1,000 receiving yards since his incredible 2021 campaign (145 catches, 1,947 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns).

Despite the potential risk, Pro Football Network gave the signing a "B" grade in their 2025 NFL offseason breakdown.

"Kupp may not be in his prime anymore, but he does boost a Seahawks team that apparently wants to remain in playoff contention despite all their trades," wrote PFN's Sterling Xie. "How he fits with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who also lives out of the slot, is a big question Seattle needs to answer." 

It's true Kupp isn't quite the player he once was, mostly due to his injury issues. However, the veteran wideout can still get open with ease due to his elite route-running ability. Over eight NFL seasons in Los Angeles, Kupp has racked up 634 catches, 7,776 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns. 

There's a lot to like about the signing, although it's fair for Seahawks fans to wonder whether it would have been smarter to simply extend DK Metcalf's contract.

On the bright side, if Kupp can stay healthy, he should be extremely motivated to show the Rams they made a terrible mistake.

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