Vikings Pivot From Cooper Kupp, Eyeing Explosive Young WR in Free Agency…
According to The Athletic’s Diana Russini, the Minnesota Vikings are among teams interested in signing former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp. The Vikings have ties to the veteran wide receiver who was the Super Bowl 56 MVP. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips were both on staff during the Rams’ Super Bowl run four seasons ago. Both coaches have sung their praise of Kupp from afar for years, and after the Rams released Kupp on Wednesday, March 12, he became a possibility for Minnesota. “There are a lot of teams interested in [Cooper Kupp],” Russini said on the “Gojo and Golic” podcast on March 13. “The price range, it’s a good number. He’s looking to get paid around $14-$15 million…I think Seattle’s got their eye on him. I think the Jags are watching this as well, I think the Minnesota Vikings [are interested]… I think the Green Bay Packers are poking
around on it as well.” Despite the interest in Minnesota, the Vikings are exploring younger options in free agency and are on the verge of a potential signing. On Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that former Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore is visiting the team. A 2021 second-round pick, Moore is much younger than Kupp at just 24 years old. A springy slot receiver at just 5-foot-8, 180 pounds, Moore flashed his athleticism at the NFL Combine, running a 4.32 40-yard dash. He would serve as a more versatile piece than Kupp at this stage in his career. With the Cardinals, Moore has lined up at every spot as a receiver and even in the backfield. In three seasons with the Cardinals, Moore totaled 135 receptions for 1,201 yards receiving along with 52 carries for 249 yards rushing and four total touchdowns. He was traded to the Falcons last offseason but suffered a season-
ending knee injury during training camp. Both Moore and Kupp have their pros and cons. Kupp is in the twilight of his career and could experience a decline, while Moore’s injury history is a concern. Related: Vikings to Sign Former Packers Starter: Report However, the difference in price between the two players is vast. Kupps is a reliable chain-mover at this stage in his career, while Moore would be a purely gadget player that O’Connell could be creative getting the ball in his hands. There is a need for more wide receiver depth with Jalen Nailor struggling to consistently produce as the third wide receiver in the offense. Jordan Addison is also facing a potential suspension with his DUI case in Los Angeles concluding some point this year.
