Report: Cooper Kupp was never a serious option for Texans in free agency
The Cooper Kupp saga has finally come to an end.
After drawing interest from multiple teams following his release from the Los Angeles Rams, Kupp is returning to his home state of Washington. The All-Pro wideout agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, thus paying him $15 million annually, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
At that price, it's no surprise that the Houston Texans elected to pass on signing the soon-to-be 32-year-old receiver entering a crucial offseason in the franchise's tenure. Houston, who did secure a wide receiver with the trade for Jacksonville's Christian Kirk, had interest in Kupp because of his connection with new offensive coordinator Nick Caley, but was never going to meet the asking price for a trade.
After Kupp was released, it was a numbers game for Houston. At $15 million, that pushed the Texans out of the pricing to even begin conversations on a potential deal.
Washington back across my chest. Let’s go!!!!! pic.twitter.com/7TBbAvtMOj
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) March 14, 2025
ESPN's Adam Schefter and Rapoport both mentioned Houston as a destination, but it was more so as a vague response on teams that fit his window and skills. Even if there's mutual interest, the Texans never made a serious offer or were considered a finalist.
Before inking the deal with Seattle, Kupp considered the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints as legitimate destinations. He now heads to the Emerald City as the hopeful quality target that can help Seattle return to the postseason under new quarterback Sam Darnold.
There were a variety of teams in the Cooper Kupp sweepstakes — including the Broncos, Saints, Packers and Patriots — but the Seahawks sold Kupp on a return home (he’s from Yakima, 3 hours away) and being a key focal point of a new-look offense with Sam Darnold. https://t.co/y1deFsRvh3
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 14, 2025
Kupp's injuries have kept him off the field over the last three seasons since his Offensive Player of the Year campaign in 2021. Since inking a new extension with the Rams, he's played in just 33 games. Last season in 12 games, Kupp had 67 catches for 710 yards and six touchdowns.
Houston returns to the drawing board to find a new playmaker for the 2025 season, even though it never was a legit player for Kupp to begin with.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: NFL: WR Cooper Kupp never a legit options for Texans in free agency
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