The Washington Commanders will add help at wide receiver this offseason. We’ve discussed potentially adding free agents Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin.
Now, another veteran name has become a possibility. On Monday, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp revealed on social media that the Rams had informed him they’d be exploring trade options for the veteran.
So, it’s only fair to ask: Would Kupp be an option for the Commanders?
Before we explain why or why not, let’s make sure to explain the differences between Kupp and the other options. First, Kupp will be 32 in June. His prime years are behind him, and he’s also dealt with multiple injuries over the last three seasons.
Kupp’s contract has two years remaining. However, the Rams are reportedly willing to pay part of it to facilitate a trade.
If the Commanders acquired Higgins, he’d be paid as one of the NFL’s best and clearly be a 1b to Terry McLaurin’s 1a. Godwin would be in a similar role but much cheaper than Higgins. Kupp, arguably the best receiver in the NFL a few years ago, is a tier or two below Higgins and Godwin. But that doesn’t mean he can’t help Washington.
Kupp wouldn’t need to be the Commanders’ No. 1 receiver. He could slide in behind McLaurin, and his presence would help take away some of the attention from McLaurin. He doesn’t address Washington’s need to add more speed and big-play ability to the offense. But to say Kupp can’t be another strong option for quarterback Jayden Daniels is just not true.
However, Washington should not trade for Kupp. It doesn’t matter if the Rams want a seventh-round pick for Kupp — and the Commanders have three. If Los Angeles receives no offers for Kupp, he will be released. At that point, we could discuss Kupp as a potential option for Washington.
Until then, the Commanders should pass.
