NFL fans are still adjusting to the sight of Cooper Kupp in Seahawks blue and green. After years as the face of the Los Angeles Rams’ offense, Kupp’s move to Seattle in March 2025 marked one of the most surprising shifts of the offseason and set up a new era for both teams in the NFC West.
Why Did Cooper Kupp Join Seattle Seahawks
Kupp joined the Seahawks in March 2025 after being released by Los Angeles. The Rams, who spent the early offseason exploring trade options for Kupp, ultimately decided to release the veteran wideout when no suitable offers materialized. This allowed Kupp to sign as a free agent with Seattle, a move that brought the Yakima, Washington native back to his home state.
Kupp described joining the Seahawks as “a full circle moment,” telling NFL Network, “We wanted to go somewhere we thought we could go and pursue a championship.”
Meanwhile, the Seahawks were looking to retool their receiving corps after trading DK Metcalf to the Steelers and losing Tyler Lockett in free agency. Kupp’s arrival was part of a broader roster reshuffle that also saw Seattle bring in quarterback Sam Darnold and lean on young receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
The Rams replaced Kupp by signing veteran Davante Adams, while the Seahawks quickly locked up Kupp on a three-year, $45 million deal. For Kupp, the move was both a chance to return home and an opportunity to join a team with playoff aspirations after eight seasons and a Super Bowl MVP run with Los Angeles.
Cooper Kupp’s Addition to Seahawks’ Offense
Kupp’s addition to the Seahawks gives Seattle a proven route technician and a former NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2021) who led the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns that season. Despite battling injuries the past three years, Kupp’s track record, 7,776 career yards, and 57 touchdowns offer the Seahawks a high-upside replacement for Metcalf and Lockett. He is expected to serve as a primary target for new quarterback Darnold, working alongside Smith-Njigba in a revamped passing attack.
Kupp’s history against NFC West rivals is notable. In 10 career games versus the San Francisco 49ers as a Ram, he posted 55 catches for 558 yards and three touchdowns. However, his teams went just 2-8 in those matchups. Seattle is banking on Kupp to change that narrative and provide a steadying influence for a young offense.
Through the first month of the 2025 season, Kupp has already made his Seahawks debut and is working to reestablish himself as one of the league’s most reliable receivers. As the NFC West race heats up, Kupp’s presence in Seattle remains one of the year’s most intriguing storylines.