Seahawks Film Analysis: What Cooper Kupp brings to the offense

Can the former Rams star still produce at 32 and in the Seahawks’ new offense?

After being cut by the Los Angeles Rams, veteran wide receiver and one-time Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp, 31, was approached by several teams. For two days there was much speculation about interested parties and where he would sign. However, Kupp, a native of Yakima, Washington, decided to accept the Seattle Seahawks’ offer and return to the Pacific Northwest.

Who is Cooper Kupp?

Cooper Kupp was selected in the third round of the 2017 Draft, coming from modest Eastern Washington. For eight seasons he was a tough opponent to contain in the NFC West clashes. In 2021, he had historic numbers on his way to a Super Bowl win and game MVP award against the Cincinnati Bengals. He led the league in receptions, yards and TDs received with 145 receptions, 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. Kupp was chosen as an All Pro, Pro Bowl and was the Offensive Player of the Year.

This was Kupp’s last season with 17 games. In 2022 he played only 9 games and in 2023 and 2024 he played 12 games. His reception and yard numbers dropped dramatically. They were 75, 59 and 67 receptions for 812, 737 and 710 yards, respectively.

Even before wearing the green and blue, Kupp already made a great play for the Seahawks. One of the few victories Pete Carroll had over Sean McVay, with Kupp dropping an important pass.

Contract

As of the time of writing this article, the amount disclosed is 3 years and $45M. This is probably not the final structure, but no details yet. Yes, a value of $15M per year for a player who missed 18 games in the last three seasons.

However, let’s think about it for a moment. The Seahawks were clearly not active in the offensive line market. So, they had the necessary cap space and “wouldn’t be missed.” Furthermore, let’s look at the contracts of other WRs.

The Rams kept Tutu Atwell who signed a one-year contract worth 10M, the same contract as Dyami Brown. Darius Slayton earns 12M, Allen Lazard and Jakobi Meyers earn 11M per year, while Gabe Davis earns 13M.

So, Cooper Kupp’s 15M (which probably isn’t real) is not out of context and, looking at the market, it wouldn’t be an overpay.

Fit in the Seahawks’ offense

The issue of the absence of a receiver X has been raised a lot. There are two reasons not to despair because of this. The first is that this gap can be addressed in the draft, with guys like Tre Harris, Jayden Higgins, and even Matthew Golden. The other is that wide-zone based offenses don’t need an elite X. Marquez Valdes-Scantling himself had good production after replacing Rashid Shaheed. Both are not elite, they just need to be vertical threats.

Help in the running game

Klint Kubiak’s offense ranked 3rd in the use of 3 WRs last year using condensed sets. This offense is heavy on 12p runs and deep shots. A WR who knows how to block is very important in this scheme.

I can already see this type of blocking for JSN’s screens.

There are TEs coming out of college who are not capable of blocking in the zone like this. Obviously, blocking is not the first characteristic you’ll look for in a WR. However, in a run-oriented offense it is a very important differentiator.

Shielded releases

This is something Sean McVay uses a lot. The more vertical routes “protect” Kupp’s release, drawing the attention of defenders. Add to that Kupp’s ability to find the gaps between zones and you’ll have a lot of receptions in the middle of the field.

The TE’s route protects his release, again, and he has space to attack the middle of the field. This type of play should happen frequently in Klint Kubiak’s offense, with Kupp and JSN.

Football IQ

Kupp ranked 141st out of 159 WRs last year in “getting open” according to ESPN data, but he’s still a master at finding the gaps between zones.

He notices the CB marking cloud and knows that his corner route will have an advantage against the safety in MOFO coverage.

He runs his route, quickly realizes that the QB needs help improvising and quickly sees the space where he can receive the pass.

With open space, he stops and turns to the QB to become an option. He still gets good yards after the reception.

Don’t underestimate the athlete

The difference in athletic ability between Riq Woolen and Kupp is abysmal. Still, he gets separation on this dig route because he manipulates the CB and manages to stay ahead.

He doesn’t have the same agility as before, but he still manages to change direction smoothly, leaving some CBs on the ground.

The safety underestimates his speed, and Kupp easily passes by threatening the cut instead of the vertical route.

He sells the idea of ​​post/dig at the top of the route, the CB tries to prepare for it and allows Kupp to get the space deep. He still goes high to look for a difficult reception.

Contested Receptions

The zone defense allows for separation, but Kupp has to adjust to get the ball up high with two defenders close by.

The pass is a little behind, he comes back and makes the difficult reception.

Final Thoughts

With the departures of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, the Seahawks needed talent first and foremost. Even though he’s older and has injury issues, Kupp is an option to answer that. His arrival brings experience again, versatility and is not an impediment to the Seahawks drafting a new WR in April.

Cooper Kupp has generated +476 yards above expected when lined up in the slot since 2021, despite missing 18 games in that span. Kupp now joins Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who led the NFL with 956 receiving yards from the slot last season.

There is obviously overlap between Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. But JSN has the versatility to move outside where he can get more valuable targets in Klint Kubiak’s offense, particularly on digs, as he did in games when DK Metcalf was out.