The Pittsburgh Steelers are hardly done retooling their 2025 roster. With more than half a dozen starters from the 2024 season departing in free agency, general manager Omar Khan has his work cut out for him. Fortunately, help just hit the market with Cooper Kupp.
The Rams officially made Kupp a salary cap casualty at the start of free agency and the veteran wide receiver is looking for a new home. Meanwhile, former Steelers receivers Van Jefferson and Mike Williams have already signed with new teams and, even after the DK Metcalf trade, Pittsburgh is thin at the position.
After the latest contract projections, I see no reason why the Steelers shouldn't be on the phone with Kupp right now.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport spoke on NFL Network about Kupp's situation. While Rapoport admits that he believes Kupp will have a strong market, he also believes he could sign a contract in the $11-12 million per year range.
The Steelers should run to the table with an offer if this is the case. This free agency alone, Darius Slayton re-signed with the New York Giants for $12 million per season, while Kupp's former Rams teammate, Tutu Atwell, inked a deal worth $10 million per year. Additionally, Josh Palmer and Dyami Brown each earned $10 million per season in new-money average.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should sign free-agent wide receiver Cooper Kupp
Nobody believes Cooper Kupp is going to be the same Offensive Player of the Year who recorded 145 receptions for 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns in 2021. Those days are long gone. But that doesn't mean Kupp doesn't offer value.
The Steelers lacked a consistent chain-moving wide receiver in 2024—one who could get open, make tough, run a full route tree, and make tough contested catches. This fits the description of Kupp perfectly.
Though injuries have been an issue, Kupp managed 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns in just 12 games last season. This would have been the second-best mark of anyone on the team despite missing five contests.
Most importantly, Kupp is still a quarterback's best friend. Despite being 31 years old last season, quarterback Matthew Stafford had a 107.5 passer rating when throwing in Kupp's direction in 2024. This falls in line with the 110.3 passer rating when targeted since his second NFL season in 2018.
If the Steelers are going to be old anyway—and that will be the case if they wind up with Aaron Rodgers—their window to win is now. Kupp isn't as dynamic as he used to be, but he's a quarterback's best friend who can still set up defensive backs and work the slot like nobody's business.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should rush to sign him if Rapoprt's contract projection is correct.