The Dallas Cowboys have so many needs to address this offseason that we’re not even sure where they should start. Between wide receiver, running back, defensive tackle, cornerback and linebacker, the front office won’t be able to just rely on the draft to plug holes.
After watching the Eagles dominate the Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, it would behoove Dallas to beef up their trenches on the defensive side of the ball. Re-signing Osa Odighizuwa should be the top priority and they would be smart to add a DT on top of that in the draft given how deep this year’s class is.
As far as the offense is concerned, Dak Prescott clearly wants the team to sign a quality running back. While RB is a big need, wide receiver is arguably a bigger void.
Luckily for Dallas, there is seemingly always multiple high-profile wideouts on the move each offseason. Longtime Rams star Cooper Kupp is one of them. Despite his wishes to finish his career with the NFC West champs, the team informed Kupp he’ll be traded.
Rumored price of Cooper Kupp trade leaves Cowboys with an easy decision
Multiple insiders have weighed in on Kupp’s expected trade value.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter likened Kupp’s value to that of former Chargers receiver Keenan Allen, who went for a fourth-round pick last offseason. Schefter anticipates Kupp will net a similar, if not identical, compensation.
Steelers beat writer Mike DeFabo of The Athletic is also of the belief that Kupp will go for a fourth-round draft choice.
If a fourth is the going rate for Kupp, Dallas should have the Rams on the phone yesterday. The one caveat, though, is the Cowboys don’t have a fourth-round pick this year.
Does that mean the Rams will try to squeeze third- and fifth-round picks out of Jerry Jones to split the difference? Does the lack of a fourth-rounder this year eliminate Dallas as a landing spot for Kupp altogether? It stands to reason Rams general manager Les Snead will likely want immediate returns trading a player of Kupp’s caliber. A 2026 fourth-round pick might not get the job done.
While not ideal, that should not dissuade Dallas from gauging LA’s interest.
Kupp might be on the wrong side of 30 and has missed 18 games over the last three seasons, but he is still a quality security blanket for any quarterback and has a great feel for the soft spots in zone coverage. He also ranked in the 79% percentile in separation rate in 2024 so he clearly has something left in the tank.
Health is obviously a major question with Kupp, but he’d be the Cowboys’ best WR2 since Amari Cooper. They currently don’t have a legitimate threat behind CeeDee Lamb and might not have the roster flexibility to draft a receiver early.
The Rams would likely eat some of Kupp’s salary to facilitate a trade as well. If the front office can negotiate a fair price for Kupp a trade should be a no-brainer.
