The Seattle Seahawks brought in Cooper Kupp with the expectation that he would become the franchise’s top wide receiver. However, his performance has declined, and he is now viewed more as a luxury option used in specific situations rather than a central figure in the offense.
His standout performances with the Los Angeles Rams earned him recognition as an elite player, but perhaps over time, Sean McVay identified something that ultimately led to the decision to part ways with him.
He arrived in Seattle, expected to be a key reference point in the team’s aerial attack, yet he has fallen short in meeting those expectations. Additionally, the financial commitment made to him represents a significant burden on the salary cap over the next two years.
The loss of prominence for Cooper Kupp
No one questions the talent of the Seahawks’ wide receiver; however, time has begun to take its toll on his body, and it is becoming increasingly evident. He is now the veteran presence within the receiving corps and must continue fighting to remain relevant in the team’s plans.
As a result, analyses have emerged regarding the importance of retaining him on the roster of the reigning champions.
- 593 yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 47 receptions
There is no doubt that his performance dropped significantly in 2025. In his final two seasons with the Rams, he played only 12 games, yet his production during that span was notably higher.
With the emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kupp’s role diminished considerably. The young receiver proved to be a major weapon for Sam Darnold, to the point of earning a top-tier contract for his position.
This shift relegated Kupp to the WR2 role. However, players in that position typically post stronger numbers than those recorded by Cooper during the 2025 season with Seattle.
The former Offensive Player of the Year didn’t have a bad 2025 season for a 32-year-old non-centerpiece, but that’s sort of the point. He’s slated to cost the team $35.5 million over the course of the next two seasons despite the fact that he was targeted just 4.4 times per game in his debut campaign with the Seahawks. The focus has shifted to Rashid Shaheed.
Expressed Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report.
This is where the scrutiny surrounding Kupp intensifies, as his salary will significantly impact the team’s finances while his production continues to decline rather than improve. Doubts have begun to surface regarding whether he should remain with the team given such a high financial commitment.
With Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed now in the picture, Kupp could even fall to the third option in the passing attack. Although his numbers remain relatively consistent, an increase in production is necessary.
For now, he must wait to see how the situation unfolds in the coming months and, when preseason arrives, rely on his experience to reestablish himself as a valuable contributor and regain a prominent role within the team’s offensive structure.