Head Coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings.
As the NFL trade deadline looms, the Minnesota Vikings could make a splash by pursuing a familiar face from the Los Angeles Rams — wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Although the Vikings have several pressing needs, adding a dynamic playmaker to their offense might be the key to unlocking their full potential, especially with quarterback Sam Darnold’s recent dip in performance.
Kupp, a Super Bowl champion and former Pro Bowl receiver, is reportedly available at a discounted rate, and the Vikings may be well-positioned to take advantage. A proposed trade scenario would send a 2026 second-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Rams in exchange for Kupp. With the Rams potentially willing to eat a portion of Kupp’s hefty contract, the Vikings could bolster their offense without significantly straining their future draft capital.
Despite his injury history, including a hamstring issue that has limited him to just two games in 2024, Kupp’s proven track record as one of the NFL’s most prolific receivers cannot be ignored. His 2021 season, in which he led the league with 145 catches, 1,947 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns, is still fresh in many minds. Though injuries have slowed him since that dominant campaign, the potential for a bounce-back in the right situation makes him an enticing trade target.
The Vikings are already loaded with talent at wide receiver, led by Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor, but Kupp could provide the added firepower they need. Head coach Kevin O’Connell’s familiarity with Kupp from their time together with the Rams during their Super Bowl run would make the transition seamless.
Additionally, Kupp’s presence could take pressure off Darnold, who excelled early in the season but has struggled in recent weeks. The veteran receiver could also serve as insurance for Jordan Addison, who has dealt with injuries in the past.
Kupp’s contract is significant — he’s in the first year of a three-year, $80.1 million deal — but with the Rams willing to take on some of the financial burden, and the Vikings having $10.2 million in cap space, the move is feasible.
If the Vikings make the bold move to trade for Kupp, it could signal their intention to push for the playoffs while setting the stage for future success. With young quarterback J.J. McCarthy potentially waiting in the wings for 2025, Kupp could be a key piece in both the present and future of Minnesota’s offensive attack.
