The latest report from Dianna Russini of The Athletic suggests that Cooper Kupp will sign with a new team soon. The Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys are said to be in play for the former All-Pro wide receiver, but there's no downside to the Pittsburgh Steelers throwing their hat in the ring for Kupp.
Kupp has had difficulty staying on the field. He hasn't played more than 12 games in a season since his record-setting campaign in 2021 when he recorded 145 receptions, 1,947 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns. Kupp was on pace for a phenomenal 2022 season before suffering a season-ending injury, and he has missed five regular-season games in each of the past two seasons.
Even though he's in his 30s now and can't create separation at will like he used to, he still offers value as a chain-moving slot receiver. There are holdups that teams aren't willing to give Kupp the $13-14 million he is seeking on a new deal.
But the Steelers could offer this and not think twice about it.
The Pittsburgh Steeles would enter a win-win situation if they sign free agent WR Cooper Kupp
Nobody is claiming Cooper Kupp is the same player he was four years ago. So knowing that his efficiency and production will likely dip is why teams are hesitant to overpay.
However, in the case of the Steelers, what have they got to lose?
Pittsburgh just made a pair of win-now moves trading for veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf and signing 34-year-old cornerback Darius Slay. Likewise, the Steelers are hoping a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers chooses them over the New York Giants or potentially the Minnesota Vikings.
Not only this, but Cameron Heyward turns 36 years old this May, while T.J. Watt will turn 31 during the season. Kupp is 31 and will turn 32 in June. It doesn't matter if he's on the older side, as this team is looking at a 1-2 year window of contention at best before they will need to tear down the operation and start over.
If Kupp doesn't work out, it's not a big deal. The Steelers could hand the veteran a two-year contract for the money he's seeking. If he's still got something left in the tank, great! If not, they've got the money to spend and there are hardly any remaining free agents worth throwing big contracts to at this point.
But this is what makes it a win-win scenario for Pittsburgh.
Unlike nearly everyone else on the market, Kupp isn't a free agent because of an expiring contract; rather, he was released by the LA Rams. This means that he will not count against the compensatory formula. This is great news for a team like the Steelers who are projected to receive four compensatory picks in the 2026 NFL Draft from their departures this offseason.
The worst thing that could happen for the Steelers is they overpay for a wide receiver past his prime. However, the best-case scenario is that Kupp finally looks healthy and proves he has another year or two of quality play left in the tank while Pittsburgh attempts to finally make a splash in the playoffs.
The idea of having Cooper Kupp as the slot receiver to go with DK Metcalf and George Pickens on the outside is, at the very least, enticing. The Pittsburgh Steeler should make it happen.