Vikings Eyeing Cooper Kupp as Rams Near Release of Star WR

Minnesota Star Tribune beat reporter Ben Goessling had strong convictions that the Vikings could be a top landing spot for Los Angeles Rams star Cooper Kupp if he is released in the coming days, noting the connection with head coach Kevin O'Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, both formerly on the Rams coaching staff.

"I think it's very possible," Goessling said March 11 on KFAN-FM 100.3. "There are big Cooper Kupp fans on that coaching staff. Kevin O'Connell. Wes Phillips is a big Cooper Kupp fan, in terms of, you hear him talk all the time still about Cooper Kupp as a run blocker, Cooper Kupp as a guy who would bring ideas to the offense."

Phillips isn't the only Vikings coach who can't help themselves to mention Kupp. 

Speaking with KFAN's Paul Allen during the Timberwolves-Spurs game on Sunday, the eve of free agency, O'Connell named his favorite Wolves player, Jaden McDaniels, and name-dropped Kupp, likening the two athletes for their versatility and do-it-all mentality.

O'Connell and Phillips have borrowed plays Kupp ran in Los Angeles and applied them to their offense with Justin Jefferson. Goessling said that the highlight-reel triple-move Jefferson pulled on Stephon Gilmore for a touchdown in 2022 was a play design made by Kupp during the Rams offseason several years prior.

Kupp is clearly front of brain for the Vikings organization that is on a spending spree and capable of signing Kupp.

The Vikings have a need for a third wide receiver as Jalen Nailor has not consistently produced through three seasons. Jordan Addison is also facing a potential suspension next season for DUI arrest in Los Angeles last summer.