Now, all it will take is money.
Cooper Kupp is destined for the open market when the NFL’s new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. The Rams, who reportedly tried to trade Kupp since early February, are unlikely to find a last-minute partner as no team wants to deal assets, absorb his $20.5 million cap hit and pay $12.5 million in guarantees.
You could’ve made the argument the Patriots should’ve traded for Kupp despite those finances — in fact, this writer made that argument. While it was debatable then, it’s now a no-brainer.
The Patriots should make Kupp their top priority when free agency officially opens. Overpay and throw a (short-term) bag. Include more guarantees than anyone else would for a past-his-prime receiver who’s 31 years old. The offense, the franchise and the fanbase need it.
The reported addition of top free agent Milton Williams salvaged New England’s free agency. Things looked bleak before the Patriots came over the top and got Williams to flip from Carolina to New England. That showed aggressiveness. Show the same respect to Kupp.
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Signing Kupp might be just as big of a win after missing out on Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin this offseason.
Kupp not only would give Drake Maye a reliable chain-moving target in key situations, but he also would be another veteran in New England’s young receiver room. Kupp’s former teammate, future Hall of Famer Andrew Whitworth, said having Kupp on the field was like having Rams head coach Sean McVay in the huddle. Kupp is that knowledgeable, Whitworth said.
The Patriots apparently have a legitimate shot at signing the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year, too.
The Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan reported Kupp is “curious” about the prospect of playing for the Patriots. Kupp remains friendly with ex-college teammate Kendrick Bourne and has professional connections to New England, Callahan wrote. Patriots passing-game coordinator Thomas Brown spent the 2020-2022 seasons with Kupp in Los Angeles.
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The Patriots need to stage a full-fledged pursuit and make it work. It’s a no-brainer.
