The Washington Commanders could use some more wide receiver help heading into the 2025 campaign despite making a major move this offseason. And one of the league's most prolific route-runners just became available on the open market.
A dramatic offseason around the league was jumpstarted by wide receiver Cooper Kupp announcing that the Los Angeles Rams made him available for trade. After no willing suitor came forward and general manager Les Snead secured the services of Davante Adams in free agency, the NFC West club outright released the player.
The Commanders gave up draft capital for Deebo Samuel Sr. This made it unlikely that general manager Adam Peters would do the same for Kupp. There was also the small matter of his contractual commitment, which teams were reluctant to take on.
Both have been negated now.
Commanders need the money to work before signing Cooper Kupp
Kupp will hit the free-agent market. He'll be after a chance to contend and might take less to end up in a good spot with a productive quarterback. The Commanders could provide that if they believe he's still got something left in the tank.
It's something for Peters to think about. But this seems unlikely all things considered.
The Commanders have two experienced wide receivers who'll generate a significant amount of targets. Terry McLaurin and Samuel provide a one-two punch capable of being impactful with a prolific signal-caller like Jayden Daniels leading the charge. Washington's trade to land prolific left tackle Laremy Tunsil was the marquee acquisition. There's also been a strong emphasis on retaining their guys after they gave so much to the cause in 2024.
Whether those plans include Kupp is anyone's guess. He's going to have a robust market now that teams don't have to give up draft assets. The former third-round pick is a Triple Crown winner who knows how to create separation. Some of the explosiveness has deserted him, but the wideout will be highly motivated to maximize another opportunity elsewhere.
It would be eye-raising if that destination was D.C. They cannot fall into that trap.
The Commanders need someone explosive to stretch the field. Kupp is similar to what they already have in McLaurin and Samuel from a physical standpoint. He's highly intelligent and would significantly add to the team's locker room culture. From that sense, it might be worth checking in to see what it could take.
As always with these things, money talks the loudest. The Commanders are an attractive destination again, which helps. Whether that means someone like Kupp is willing to accept a lower offer to move from one coast to the other is debatable.
Expect Kupp to land on his feet quickly. Just don't expect that to be in Washington.
