The Minnesota Vikings are receiving widespread praise for their first 24 hours of free agency, during which they invested a hefty $263 million to bolster their roster.
They strengthened their offensive line by signing Indianapolis Colts guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly. On the defensive side, they made a significant upgrade with the addition of Washington Commanders Pro Bowler Jonathan Allen and the imminent signing of San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.
Additionally, the Vikings re-signed Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and running back Aaron Jones, while also acquiring speedy Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers.
But the Vikings might not be finished with their spending spree just yet.
Cooper Kupp to the Vikings ‘Very Possible’
As the Los Angeles Rams have struggled to find a trade partner for former Super Bowl MVP wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the Vikings have emerged as a logical destination for Kupp if he’s released. This is largely due to Kupp’s connection with head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, both of whom previously worked with Kupp during their time with the Rams.
Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling discussed the possibility on March 11 during an appearance on KFAN-FM 100.3, stating, “I think it’s very possible. There are big Cooper Kupp fans on that coaching staff. Kevin O’Connell. Wes Phillips is a big Cooper Kupp fan in terms of you hear him talk all the time still about Cooper Kupp as a run blocker, Cooper Kupp as a guy who would bring ideas to the offense.”
Goessling also recalled a memorable route concept from 2022, when Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson executed a triple-move on Colts cornerback Stephon Gilmore. That play, conceived by Kupp during a COVID-era workout with Matthew Stafford, was later brought to Minnesota by O’Connell and Phillips and has since evolved into part of the Vikings’ playbook.
The Vikings struggled to get consistent production from third wide receiver Jalen Nailor and may be looking for another receiving option. With Jordan Addison potentially facing a suspension due to a DUI arrest last summer, the need for another receiver has only grown.
While Kupp’s Super Bowl MVP performance in 2022 was an outlier in his career, he has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards only twice in his seven NFL seasons. Still, he could be a cost-effective addition to an already talented offense.
- Cooper Kupp
O’Connell Hints at Interest in Kupp
Before free agency officially began, O’Connell made a surprise appearance at the Minnesota Timberwolves-San Antonio Spurs game on March 11. During a broadcast with KFAN’s Paul Allen, O’Connell answered a variety of questions, including one about his favorite Timberwolves player. O’Connell named Jaden McDaniels as his favorite, drawing a comparison between McDaniels and Kupp for their versatility and all-around abilities.
It’s clear that the Vikings’ coaching staff is highly interested in the 31-year-old wide receiver, especially as he appears to be on the move following the Rams’ trade for Davante Adams.
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