Sometimes the best moves are the ones you don't make.
The thought of signing Cooper Kupp sounds great, especially considering the Green Bay Packers' need at wide receiver. The reality is a different story. Kupp's numbers have declined each year since he won the receiving triple crown almost four years ago, and the former All-Pro has failed to play more than 12 games in each of the previous three seasons.
Despite that, FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz reports that the Packers were among the teams interested in signing the former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver.
Instead, he landed a mind-blowing three-year, $45 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
The Packers smartly didn't pay Kupp that money and can move in a different direction. While they didn't get their wide receiver target, Green Bay's interest in Kupp is noteworthy.
Packers' interest in Cooper Kupp shows Brian Gutekunst wants to upgrade the wide receiver room
After the Packers reportedly had no interest in trading for DK Metcalf or signing Davante Adams, you could be forgiven for worrying they may have no plans to upgrade the wide receiver room.
While Matt LaFleur's offense features a talented group of pass-catchers, there are two areas of concern entering 2025.
Christian Watson's absence hurts the Packers' ability to stretch defenses vertically and consistently beat man coverage. According to Pro Football Focus, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Jayden Reed ranked 60th, 87th, and 96th out of 105 receivers in yards per route run against man coverage. Watson finished fifth
The Packers have a need for speed, but it is equally important to find a consistent man coverage-beater.Kupp may not have been the best fit, especially at the price Seattle paid, but it shows Brian Gutekunst is looking to upgrade the receiving corps. And that's good news.
Finding the right receiver is the hard part. Kupp signing with the Seahawks leaves limited options in free agency — Stefon Diggs, Amari Cooper, and Keenan Allen are among the best remaining players.
Barring a highly unlikely trade for a rising star like Garrett Wilson, we may have to wait until the draft. Fortunately, there are a plethora of potential Day 2 targets, including Iowa State's Jayden Higgins, Ole Miss' Tre Harris, and Utah State's Jalen Royals, who could provide the help against man coverage Green Bay's passing game needs.
The Packers (smartly) didn't sign Kupp, but their rumored interest bodes well for the rest of the offseason.
