The New England Patriots have shown interest in signing veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp, a source told Karen Guregian of MassLive.
However, Kupp's asking price is reportedly a bit too steep for New England at the moment. It's believed the former Los Angeles Rams star would prefer to stay on the West Coast, though he hasn't closed any doors, according to Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal.
There are at least five teams reportedly interested in Kupp, whom the Rams released Wednesday after failing to find a trade partner. The Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars are also potential landing spots for the 31-year-old, ESPN's Dan Graziano said Thursday on "Get Up." The New Orleans Saints have also made a push to land him, according to The Athletic's Michael Silver.
Multiple teams believe a suitor will be willing to offer Kupp around $12 million annually, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic.
The Rams parted ways with Kupp after signing him to a three-year, $80.1-million extension in 2022. The Patriots weren't interested in trading for Kupp, in part because of his contract, Guregian reports.
Kupp is a former Super Bowl MVP who captured the NFL's receiving triple crown after catching 145 passes for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns during a historic 2021 season. However, Kupp has struggled to stay healthy in recent years. He had 67 receptions, 710 yards, and six scores across 12 games in 2024, his third straight year with 12 or fewer appearances.
The Patriots have been aggressive to start the Mike Vrabel era, spending big to address their defensive needs in free agency. New England also reportedly offered Chris Godwin a contract worth almost $30 million per year, but the wide receiver left money on the table to re-sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Kendrick Bourne currently headline the Pats' wide receiver depth chart.
