Could a Cooper Kupp Reunion Be the Missing Piece for the Vikings?
Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Vikings find themselves at a crossroads. After an impressive 14-2 season ended in devastating fashion, with two straight losses sending them home earlier than expected, the team is left with a bitter taste in its mouth. The NFC remains wide open, and while Minnesota has the talent to compete, every move this offseason will be crucial.
With $58 million in cap space but only four picks in the 2025 draft, the Vikings must tread carefully. While the temptation to go “Full Rams” and load up for a title run is there, the front office must also consider the long-term championship window, particularly with J.J. McCarthy entering his prime.
That’s where Kevin O’Connell may look to an old friend to help unlock this offense.
Cooper Kupp on the Move – Could Minnesota Be His Destination?
The Los Angeles Rams sent shockwaves through the NFL on Monday night, announcing their intention to trade star wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason. The 31-year-old still believes he has plenty left in the tank but has agreed to work with the team on finding a trade partner.
There’s no doubt multiple teams will be interested in adding a former All-Pro to their roster, but O’Connell may have a personal incentive to bring Kupp to Minnesota.
Drafted 69th overall in 2017 out of Eastern Washington, Kupp blossomed into a superstar with the Rams. His rookie season saw him haul in 62 passes for 869 yards and five touchdowns, but an ACL tear in 2018 briefly stalled his ascent. He bounced back in 2019 with 94 receptions, 1,161 yards, and 10 touchdowns, cementing himself as one of Sean McVay’s top targets.
But Kupp’s true breakout came when O’Connell took over as Rams offensive coordinator in 2020. That season, he caught 92 passes for 974 yards, but his numbers were limited by Jared Goff’s struggles. When the Rams upgraded at quarterback with Matthew Stafford, Kupp exploded.
The 2021 season saw Kupp put together one of the greatest performances by a receiver in NFL history:
- 145 receptions
- 1,947 yards
- 16 touchdowns
- Triple Crown winner (most catches, yards, and touchdowns in the NFL)
That magical season culminated in a Super Bowl victory, paving the way for O’Connell to land the Vikings head coaching job in 2022.
The Challenge: Is Kupp Still the Same Player?
While O’Connell has thrived in Minnesota, Kupp has struggled to stay on the field. Over the past three seasons, he has missed 18 games, and his production has declined. Meanwhile, Puka Nacua, the Rams’ 2023 fifth-round draft steal, has emerged as a legitimate star, leading some to believe Kupp’s time in L.A. is coming to an end.
The situation feels eerily similar to what happened with Adam Thielen in Minnesota. Thielen’s prime came between 2017-2018, with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, but injuries and age caught up with him. The Vikings eventually moved on, releasing him in 2023 after failing to find a trade partner.
Kupp could face the same fate in Los Angeles. He still has two years left on his $80.1 million contract, but teams may hesitate to give up valuable draft picks for a 31-year-old receiver with an injury history. If the Rams can’t find a trade partner, a release could be on the table, which would open the door for Minnesota.
Do the Vikings Have Room for Kupp?
Minnesota already boasts an elite receiving core, but depth is a concern. Justin Jefferson is untouchable, but Jordan Addison could face a suspension after his DUI arrest last summer. Meanwhile, Jalen Nailor stepped up as the team’s third receiver last season, but he remains a significant drop-off from Addison.
With only four draft picks, the Vikings can’t afford to burn capital on a luxury addition. While they have cap space, signing Kupp at a discount—if released—would be the ideal scenario.
A Reunion That Could Benefit Both Sides
A Kupp-O’Connell reunion in Minnesota makes too much sense to ignore.
- For the Vikings: Kupp could serve as a veteran presence and a reliable target for McCarthy, particularly while Addison is out.
- For Kupp: Reuniting with O’Connell could give him the best chance to return to form in an offense he already knows.
No one expects Kupp to be the same Triple Crown winner from 2021, but if he stays healthy, he could provide a valuable weapon for Minnesota’s offense.
If the stars align, a Cooper Kupp-Kevin O’Connell reunion could be exactly what the Vikings need to take the next step toward Super Bowl contention.
