Unfolding drama as Dallas Cowboys eye Cooper Kupp, a game-changing move in their quest for dominance

As the Dallas Cowboys continue to seek ways to elevate their roster and compete for a Super Bowl title, one name has been surfacing more frequently in the conversation: Cooper Kupp. The 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP is a game-changing wide receiver, known for his incredible route running, ability to gain separation, and exceptional hands. Kupp’s name being linked to the Cowboys has sparked a wave of speculation, excitement, and intrigue within the NFL community. Could Kupp be the missing piece in the Cowboys’ offense? How realistic is a trade or signing? And if he joins the Cowboys, how would he alter the landscape of the team?

In a season filled with high expectations, the Cowboys, led by head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott, have a window of opportunity to make a Super Bowl run. After a strong season in 2023, they have positioned themselves as legitimate contenders, but the key question remains: how can they improve their offense to compete with the league’s elite teams? A move for Cooper Kupp could be the key to answering that question.

The Current State of the Dallas Cowboys’ Offense

Before delving into the prospect of adding Cooper Kupp to their roster, it’s important to take a look at the current state of the Cowboys’ offense.

At the heart of the offense is Dak Prescott, who, when healthy, is one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. Prescott has the ability to make every throw and possesses a high football IQ. However, inconsistency has been a theme for him throughout his career, especially in big games. While Prescott has flashes of brilliance, he often struggles with decision-making under pressure, especially in the postseason. In the past, this inconsistency has kept the Cowboys from making deep playoff runs.

The Cowboys’ wide receiver corps, while talented, has had its share of challenges. CeeDee Lamb has emerged as the team’s undisputed top receiver, showcasing his explosive playmaking ability, hands, and route running. However, the Cowboys have struggled to find consistent playmakers alongside him. Michael Gallup, once a promising target, has had difficulty returning to his prior form after a significant knee injury. The addition of Brandin Cooks in 2023 was a step in the right direction, but Cooks has been relegated to a secondary role despite his talent.

What the Cowboys lack is a true game-breaking receiver—a player who can take over a game and create mismatches. This is where Cooper Kupp comes in.

Cooper Kupp: A Game-Changing Addition

Kupp is arguably one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. His combination of skills—elite route running, high football IQ, and incredible hands—make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to operate in both the short and deep passing game gives his quarterback a versatile weapon to rely on. Kupp’s ability to get open at will and make contested catches separates him from many of his peers in the league.

The 2021 season was Kupp’s breakout year, where he led the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He earned the title of NFL Offensive Player of the Year and was the driving force behind the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. His historic 2021 campaign was one of the best individual seasons for a wide receiver in recent memory, and it showcased Kupp’s ability to perform in clutch moments.

Although Kupp’s 2022 and 2023 seasons were affected by injuries, when healthy, Kupp has proven to be an elite player. His rapport with Matthew Stafford in the Rams’ offense has been exceptional, but the possibility of Kupp joining the Cowboys presents an exciting new dynamic.

How Kupp Would Fit into the Cowboys’ Offense

Adding Kupp to the Cowboys’ offense would instantly elevate the team to new heights. As mentioned, the Cowboys already have a strong group of receivers in Lamb, Gallup, and Cooks. However, they need another elite weapon to truly give Dak Prescott the chance to succeed in high-pressure moments. Kupp is exactly that.

Dak Prescott and Cooper Kupp would form one of the most dynamic duos in the NFL. Kupp’s precise route running and ability to make plays all over the field would complement Prescott’s strengths. With Kupp in the fold, Prescott would have another reliable target who can be counted on to create separation and gain yards after the catch. This would also alleviate some of the pressure on CeeDee Lamb, who has often faced double-teams or the opposition’s best cornerback.

Kupp’s versatility is another key factor that would make him a perfect fit for the Cowboys. He can line up in the slot or on the outside, and his ability to run a wide variety of routes would keep opposing defenses on their toes. Whether it’s a short crossing route, a deep bomb down the field, or a quick slant, Kupp can do it all. His chemistry with Prescott would likely develop quickly, and that would give the Cowboys’ offense the balance and explosiveness it needs to compete with the NFL’s best.

The addition of Kupp would also open up opportunities for other playmakers. Tony Pollard, the Cowboys’ dynamic running back, could see more space to operate as opposing defenses would be forced to account for Kupp’s ability to move the ball through the air. The tight ends, including Jake Ferguson, could also benefit from more favorable matchups as Kupp draws defenders away from the middle of the field.

The Trade Scenario: What Would It Take to Land Kupp?

While the prospect of adding Kupp to the roster is exciting, it’s important to understand the logistics behind such a move. Kupp is under contract with the Rams, and trading for him would come with some significant financial and roster considerations.

1. Contract Details: Kupp signed a three-year, $80 million contract extension with the Rams in 2020. That extension still has several years left, which means that any team acquiring Kupp would need to be prepared to take on a sizable chunk of his salary. The Cowboys would need to either restructure contracts or free up cap space through other moves in order to make room for Kupp’s salary.

2. Draft Picks and Players: In terms of trade compensation, the Cowboys would likely need to give up a significant amount of draft capital, possibly including first-round picks and other key assets. The Rams, who are in a rebuilding phase, would be looking to add young talent and future draft capital in exchange for Kupp. Additionally, the Cowboys might need to include a player or two in the trade package to sweeten the deal.

The Rams’ willingness to trade Kupp would depend on their long-term strategy. While Kupp remains one of the best receivers in the NFL, the Rams are in the midst of a rebuild after a Super Bowl win. They could be more inclined to part ways with Kupp in order to stockpile picks and rebuild around younger players. For the Cowboys, this could represent an opportunity to go all-in on their quest for a championship.

The Impact on the Cowboys’ Super Bowl Aspirations

If the Cowboys were able to secure Cooper Kupp, it would undoubtedly increase their chances of winning the Super Bowl in the near future. Kupp is a proven winner, with a Super Bowl MVP and an Offensive Player of the Year award to his name. His leadership, ability to perform in clutch moments, and championship pedigree would be invaluable in the postseason.

The Cowboys are currently built to compete, with a strong defense led by Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and others. The offense has pieces in place, but a game-changer like Kupp could be the missing ingredient to push them over the top. Kupp’s presence would force defenses to account for him on every play, opening up more opportunities for the Cowboys’ offense to function at a high level.

With Dak Prescott under center, the Cowboys’ offense could become one of the most potent in the NFL. Kupp would allow the Cowboys to create mismatches, particularly in the red zone, where they have struggled in recent years. His ability to come through in big moments would add a new dimension to their passing game, making it far more difficult for opposing defenses to key in on one player.