In a significant move during NFL free agency, Cooper Kupp has signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, marking a new chapter in his career. The former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver, who spent the last eight seasons in LA, is returning to his home state of Washington, where he will team up with quarterback Sam Darnold. Kupp, a Triple Crown winner in 2021, will be looking to make an immediate impact in Seattle’s offense alongside rookie standout Jackson Smith-Njigba.
The Seahawks aggressively pursued Kupp, showcasing their vision for integrating him into their system and emphasizing the local connection as a southern Washington native. Other teams, including the Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, and Dallas Cowboys, expressed interest, but Seattle’s competitive contract ultimately sealed the deal.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are in negotiations with star wide receivers Tee Higgins and Jamar Chase, aiming to secure new deals that could see them earning a combined $70 million annually. The Bengals are also working to retain pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, highlighting their commitment to maintaining a strong roster.
On the quarterback front, speculation continues around Aaron Rodgers, who is weighing offers from the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants. While the Minnesota Vikings are lurking, they appear hesitant to pursue him heavily, focusing instead on the development of quarterback JJ McCarthy. The league sentiment leans towards Rodgers potentially joining the Steelers, though no official announcement has been made.
In contrast, Russell Wilson has been actively visiting teams, with recent trips to the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants. His meetings have reportedly gone well, but he remains a secondary option behind Rodgers in both locations. With a QBR of 51 over the past three seasons, Wilson still presents a viable upgrade for either franchise, adding to the intrigue as free agency unfolds. As the market continues to shift, fans eagerly await further developments in these pivotal player movements.
