Yardbarker
x
Do Vrabel's comments suggest Kupp is on Pats' radar?
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Do Mike Vrabel's comments suggest Super Bowl LVI MVP is on Patriots' radar?

After missing out on wide receiver Chris Godwin, perhaps the New England Patriots will target WR Cooper Kupp, whom the Los Angeles Rams released on Wednesday.

On a Wednesday episode of his podcast, ESPN's Adam Schefter said the Patriots were willing to pay Godwin $30M annually, but he stayed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers instead. The one-time Pro Bowler signed a three-year, $66M deal.

In his Thursday news conference, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel refused to discuss the team's failed pursuit of Godwin. However, he indicated the club still aims to add another wideout. 

"We'll continue to target. Mack Hollins will be in here tomorrow. He's a wide receiver," Vrabel said. "But we'll continue to look at the wide receiver as it relates to free agency, explore every option with other teams, and then potentially we'll get to the point where we're looking at the draft. There's just a lot of time, and I know that everybody is like, it's over in free agency. It's never over." 

Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal reported that the Patriots had contacted Kupp. Giardi added the WR would like to stay on the West Coast, but he's keeping his options open.

Other veteran WRs, including Keenan Allen and Stefon Diggs, are available for the Patriots, but Kupp may be a better option.

Diggs had three touchdown catches in eight games with the Houston Texans in 2024 before suffering a season-ending ACL tear. 

Allen averaged 49.6 receiving yards per game in 15 games with the Chicago Bears in 2024. Kupp, meanwhile, averaged 59.2 in 12 with the Rams. 

During the 2021 season, Kupp captured the receiving triple crown, with 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 TD catches in 17 regular-season games. He also won Super Bowl LVI MVP. 

New England finished last in the NFL in passing yards in 2024 (176.1). Landing a wide receiver like Kupp could boost the Patriots' air attack.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!