Latest update over this lusted-over free agent could explode Cooper Kupp market

(2) - Don't discount Coach Kupp factor

The LA Rams understand the value of veteran WR Cooper Kupp to younger wide receivers in terms of mentorship and tutelage. But it's time to sever the umbilical cord for wide receivers like Puka Nacua and Jordan Whittington and see what they've got on a football field on their own, removed from the shadow of Cooper Kupp.

While Nacua and Whittington may be ready to take off the training wheels, imagine the benefits to a new NFL team that had drafted top receivers in recent drafts. How much benefit would that locker room get from having a veteran wide receiver like Cooper Kupp added to the roster? The New York Giants (Malik Nabers), Arizona Cardinals (Marvin Harrison Jr.), Chicago Bears (Rome Odunze), and Jacksonville Jaguars (Brian Thomas Jr.) would all get a boomerang effect of adding Kupp to their roster. Not only does Kupp bring his own level of production, but his ability to lead, teach, and mentor young receivers is a diluted 'Aaron Donald effect' that could elevate the level of top-tier young NFL receivers.

(1) - Kupp could flourish with less demanding offense

There is one more point to talk about amidst all of the rumors over WR Cooper Kupp. The LA Rams offense has been built upon the concept that tough physical wide receivers can be effective enough as blockers and dominate in route running to afford the offense the luxury of sticking with 11-personnel for a majority of offensive snaps.

The thing is, at some point those smaller wide receivers suffer too much wear and tear to check the boxes in all roles demanded of them in the Rams offense.

Cooper Kupp can still run routes. He may have lost a step, but he can compensate with years of high-level NFL experience that gives him the savvy fox-like field smarts to set up defensive backs to anticipate the wrong route in the wrong spots on the football field. On a new offense, he can specialize in that type of role.

That is something the Rams cannot give him.

Not every NFL GM will see Kupp in this light. They are not just building new rosters, they are also frequently the engineers of players who are currently on the team. So there is a bit of bias in where the roster stands and team's pivot to 2025.

Ultimately, it will only take one NFL team to roll the dice on Cooper Kupp, and I think that it could happen soon. If not, the Rams are prepared to release Kupp outright. Then the option to sign free agent WR Tee Higgins will swap out for the option to sign Cooper Kupp.

As always, thanks for reading.

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