By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — The focus of NFL free agency for the New Orleans Saints thus far has been on the defensive side of the football. Eventually, however, that may change this offseason. One name that is fresh on the market that could be at least intriguing for New Orleans is former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
Kupp and the Rams parted ways this week after not being able to find trade partners to potentially move him in a swap. While a trade did not come together, a market is still expected to be there for Kupp as he hits the open market.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport was discussing landing spots that make sense for Kupp on The Insiders on NFL Network. Among commonly considered destinations like the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars, Rapoport quickly mentioned the Saints by name while listing teams that could be interested in the veteran wideout.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: #Rams WR Cooper Kupp is now free and his market is hot. pic.twitter.com/GLSMb7g5jb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2025
While many believe the Saints should be focused on getting younger, New Orleans likely doesn’t see simultaneously adding veteran talent as a hindrance in getting younger in the draft, especially when shopping on the open market where draft capital does not have to be leveraged.
If there is a place where a veteran presence would likely be welcomed, it’s at wide receiver. Cedrick Wilson Jr. is currently the most experienced wideout on the roster with seven years of action. Behind, Dante Pettis with six and then top receivers Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave with three each.
Kupp would not only bring eight years of experience with him, but he is a one-time All-Pro, a Super Bowl champion and 2021 AP Offensive Player of the Year. All highly-respected accolades that would provide a leadership role for an otherwise young room.
While it’s true that Kupp may never reclaim his 2021 success wherein he totaled 145 receptions, 1,947 receiving yards and 16 touchdown catches, that shouldn’t be the expectation either. If so, a trade market would likely have materialized.
The 31-year-old pass-catcher finished 2024 with 67 receptions and 710 receiving yards with six touchdown catches. Both of which would have finished first among Saints wide receivers in 2024 with the position group riddled with injuries.
Where Kupp would be most impactful for New Orleans, if added, would be from the slot. While Olave and Shaheed (and possibly another addition via the draft) man the perimeter, Kupp could be a solid contributor from the outside
Nearly 70 percent of his snaps in 2024 came from the slot, accounting for 561 of his receiving yards and all six of his touchdowns. Kupp could still be a solid option from the slot, provide veteran leadership in the room and has never been shy in contributing in run protection. All of which could be worth an investment from New Orleans should the contract terms be agreeable.
The Saints have a need in adding to the wide receiver room, and getting younger doesn’t have to be hindered when investing on the open market, especially if on a short-term deal. Kupp should be an intriguing option for New Orleans, provided a favorable price tag.
