Seahawks signing of Cooper Kupp was a win for both sides.

For the Seahawks and their former nemesis, Cooper Kupp, agreeing to a contract was, well, a no-brainer.   A player that has torched the team seven of the last eight years was available. Yes, if you can’t beat him have him join your team.  For Cupp, the chance to play with his boyhood team was too tempting of an offer.  With both sides willing, the Seahawk signed Kupp to a three-year $45 million contract.   Despite going down with an ankle injury in week two and missing four games, Kupp put up more than decent numbers.   In  11 games, Kupp hauled in 67  passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns.

FOND MEMORIES

 After showing the bounce back, Kupp was surprised when the Rams informed him that he was going to be released once the free agency period began.  The former Eastern Washington  Star and  Yakima native was taken aback by the news and frustrated when no clarity was given as to why the team made the decision.

“ It’s been difficult. In all honesty, it’s been very difficult and frustrating and there’s been lots of questions. It’s a real tough situation. I’ve said, I’ve always imagined that I’d finish my career there, but that’s not what the plan was that God had for me and my family,” said Kupp.

With fond memories in the past, Kupp and his family are looking to create more memories with his home team.

“ Stepping into this new adventure, this new place, this new chapter in my career but also in our lives as my wife and I navigate moving back up home, back up to our home state, I think that’s something that we’re excited about facing.”

QUICK  DECISION

 Once he hit the free agency, signing with his home team was relatively easy.

“Obviously growing up in Yakima, watching the Seattle Seahawks growing up, I’ve talked a lot about the memories and experiences. That’s kind of what football is. It’s remembering all those big moments. Walking through the halls back here, looking at these photos of iconic (players) — just moments in games and being able to recognize, man, I remember where I was when that happened, when that moment happened,’ said Kupp .

 “ Growing up watching Seattle, watching football being a huge part of my life and then playing at Eastern Washington, full circle moment coming back and being able to throw on a Seattle Seahawks uniform, it’s a really cool thing. It’s something I don’t take lightly. Just really excited to be able to be a part of this program and what this program has been about and continue it moving forward.”

WHERE DOES HE FIT IN?

Now that Kupp is a Seahawk, the question is where does he fit in ? At first, the signing of Kupp is a redundancy at the slot position, given Jaxson Smith-Njigba’s break-out season. Smith-Njigba. He led the Seahawks in 2024 with 100 receptions for 1130 yards and six touchdowns. While the six touchdowns are low, his 80% catch rate made him the most reliable receiver on the team.  During the press conference, Kupp was asked if he and Smith-Njigba can thrive and coexist in the same offense.

WHAT IT ALL MEANS?

The signing of Kupp is a clear indication that the Seahawks are putting all of their chips in with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s ability to create a dynamic offense. We have had the team is going to be zone run offense. Look for a possession-based offense that will use multiple personnel in multiple positions.

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