Cooper Kupp Joins Seahawks After Cowboys’ Failed Pursuit

FRISCO, Texas — Veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp has signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks after the Dallas Cowboys reportedly attempted to recruit him earlier this week.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and wideout CeeDee Lamb reached out to Kupp last Thursday to discuss the possibility of joining Dallas. However, after hearing Kupp’s salary expectations, the Cowboys chose to withdraw their interest.

“Last Thursday, the Cowboys reached out about Cooper Kupp and they were interested,” Schefter said on his podcast. “Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb were on the phone with Cooper Kupp talking to him about the idea of coming to Dallas. Then the Cowboys heard the numbers, and they were at numbers that the Cowboys weren’t going to get to,” he added.

Dallas has been cautious with spending in free agency, notably not making significant signings since cornerback Brandon Carr‘s five-year, $50.1 million contract in 2012. This was evident as the team opted against making a substantial financial commitment to a No. 2 wide receiver, particularly after signing CeeDee Lamb to a four-year, $136 million extension last summer.

Kupp, originally a third-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017, is a Washington native and attended Eastern Washington. His signing with the Seahawks signifies a homecoming after his release from the Rams.

In Seattle, Kupp will bolster a revamped passing attack under the leadership of newly signed quarterback Sam Darnold, who is replacing Geno Smith following his trade to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Seahawks have also made changes to their receiving corps, having released longtime wideout Tyler Lockett and trading star receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Kupp’s injury struggles over the past three seasons have led to a lack of production on the field. However, he is expected to be highly motivated to prove his worth and solidify his role in the Seahawks’ offense, joining fellow receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and promising prospect Jaxon Smith-Njigba.