A large chunk of Sam Darnold’s success as quarterback of the MN Vikings in 2024 can be attributed to the coaching chops of Kevin O’Connell and the rest of the team’s offensive coaching staff, especially QB coach Josh McCown and now departed assistant QB coach, Grant Udinski.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

From a coaching standpoint, there may be no better spot in the entire NFL than in Minnesota. And that may have been more true last season, than it will be in 2025, now that Udinski is in Jacksonville trying to propel the career of Trevor Lawrence, who was once seen as the most non-miss QB prospect since Andrew Luck.

It’s difficult to find a set of offensive skill player talent, like what the Minnesota Vikings had on roster last season, which they’re all now scheduled to be back in 2025. But wait, there’s also a good possibility KOC’s offense will have even more fire power this year, than it did last year.

Minnesota Vikings interested in Cooper Kupp

After one year of trusting Jalen Nailor to perform their WR3 duties, the Vikings are looking for an upgrade. And, according to Dianna Russini (The Athletic) on Gojo and Golic (Mike Golic Jr and Sr), Minnesota’s top option appears to be one of the best skill position talents left on the free agency big board, former All-Pro and Offensive Player of the Year, Cooper Kupp.

“There are a lot of teams interested in [Cooper Kupp]. The price range, it’s a good number. He’s looking to get paid around $14-$15 million…I think Seattle’s got their eye on him. I think the Jags are watching this as well, I think the Minnesota Vikings [are interested].

“I think the Green Bay Packers are poking around. I like looking at teams that are probably trying to make a run. I also know Tom Brady loves Cooper Kupp. I’m interested to see if the Raiders are going to make a push here.”

Dianna Russini – Gojo & Golic

Cooper Kupp, 31, won OPOY with the LA Rams in 2021 with 145 receptions, 1,957 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Rams’ offensive coordinator that season, which ended in a Super Bowl victory, was now Minnesota Vikings head coach, Kevin O’Connell.

What does Cooper Kupp still bring to the table?

Kupp has played 8 years in the NFL, after being drafted in the 3rd round by the Rams in 2017. He’s totalled 634 receptions, 7,776 yards and 57 touchdowns in 104 career games (89 starts). While he hasn’t been the same guy since his OPOY season, Kupp has still recorded at least 59 receptions and 700+ yards in each of the last three seasons, despite not playing in more than 12 games.

Cooper Kupp Highlights from just 12 games last season, shall we?

710yds, 6TDs: 12 Games.

The other drop is in the playoffs where he had 90yds.

You will see in this video that Kupp is open a ton. He has great route running but even when theres little separation, he catches it. pic.twitter.com/AIlWGfdEFE

— DrakeMuse (@DrakeMayeTD) March 12, 2025

MN Vikings are an incredible situation for next QB

The next quarterback of the MN Vikings will have the same weapons system that Darnold had at his disposal in 2024, though. An arsenal that is highlighted by the league’s best (and highest paid) wide receiver, Justin Jefferson.

But Jefferson is only the tip of the iceberg. Minnesota also employs the best WR2 in the NFL, Jordan Addison. And let’s not forget about one of the league’s best pass-catching tight ends, TJ Hockenson, plus newly re-signed running back, Aaron Jones.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Have Already Won NFL Free Agency

Whether it’s JJ McCarthy, Aaron Rodgers or someone else, the Vikings’ next quarterback will also be protected by what looks like one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, on paper. That’s especially true after this week’s signings of former Colts, (C) Ryan Kelly and (G) Will Fries. Now, will that offense also employ Cooper Kupp as its WR3? We’ll find out soon enough.

Los Angeles Rams are trading WR Cooper Kupp

Thus, LA is looking to the future, just like Minnesota is. And on Monday, news broke that the Rams have made the difficult decision to place Cooper Kupp on the trade block, to be traded immediately. The star wide receiver broke the news himself, via social media, making it clear that this was not his decision.

I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.

Still, if there’s… pic.twitter.com/XWmbGVscGy

— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) February 4, 2025

I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.

2024 began with one of the best training camps of my career. Preparations start now for 2025. Highly motivated, as healthy as ever, and looking forward to playing elite football for years to come. Love you guys..

But coming for it all.

Part of Cooper Kupp’s statement (via X)

So, 31-year-old wide receiver Cooper Kupp is going to get traded by the LA Rams. What does that have to do with the Minnesota Vikings? Well, it’s very possible it means nothing. The Vikings are looking very secure at wide receiver for the next couple of years, after Justin Jefferson signed a massive contract extension last offseason.

Could Kupp land with the Minnesota Vikings?

But… Kupp ultimately landing with the Minnesota Vikings may be less of a stretch than it seems, at first glance. Remember, he and Kevin O’Connell have a very successful past together. Back when Cooper Kupp went full Superman during the 2021 season — 145 receptions, 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns (see below) — his offensive coordinator was none other than KOC, now head coach for the purple.

Related: Vikings are “Really Happy with JJ McCarthy” According to New Report

The Rams are likely to seek a day two or three draft pick, in return for Kupp. That seems like a very reasonable price, until you look at his salary, which has him due to make $20 million in cash next season, while counting $30 million against the salary cap. Will the Rams find a suitor, given the financial burden Kupp’s contract has become?

NFL insider Kevin Seifert isn’t so sure. And if LA can’t find a partner for Kupp, well… that would open more avenues to a Kupp + O’Connell reunion.

Facts:

I don’t know anything about anything.

WR is hardly a need for the Vikings.

They really can’t part with more draft picks.

Often these situations lead to a release.

There are a lot of Cooper Kupp fans on the Minnesota coaching staff. https://t.co/Y7qcFzmcqd

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) February 4, 2025

Facts:

I don’t know anything about anything.

WR is hardly a need for the Vikings.

They really can’t part with more draft picks.

Often these situations lead to a release.

There are a lot of Cooper Kupp fans on the Minnesota coaching staff.

Kevin Seifert (Tweet above)

Not only that, but it’s also important to look beyond the immediate future when addressing any position on an NFL roster. Jordan Addison is going into his third NFL season. Not only has he caused the Vikings organization some headaches off the field, since being drafted out of USC in 2023, but Addison is also going to demand a massive payday in the next offseason or two.

MN Vikings landing Cooper Kupp isn’t impossible…

Unfortunately for Jordan, Minnesota is already paying Justin Jefferson more than any other non-QB in the league. Thus, they aren’t going to pay him too. So while wide receiver may not be an immediate need, it certainly isn’t a position that the Vikings want to ignore. Again, wide receiver is not a need for the MN Vikings, and they do not want to put too many financial eggs into that basket, even if it’s only short term.

Related: Pro Bowl Recap: Vikings CB Named MVP, Darnold Connects with Jefferson for One More TD…

But if general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah can find a way to get Cooper Kupp on the roster, without breaking the bank, there’s no doubt he would be exactly what the Vikings WR corp is missing.That’s a slot-heavy veteran WR3 who can make defenses pay for coving Justin Jefferson too tightly or shading too much underneath coverage toward TJ Hockenson.

Re-live Cooper Kupp historic performance through NFL films. Clutch first downs, 4th down conversions, & 2 touchdowns including the game winner. The connection between Stafford & Kupp was extraordinary. Kupp capped off the greatest year for a WR in NFL history – As Super Bowl MVP pic.twitter.com/LQKqj4pLdm

— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) February 17, 2022

After the Rams’ 20-15 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Rams head coach Sean McVay dropped some news: superstar wide receiver Cooper Kupp is set to return for the game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Los Angeles Rams superstar WR Cooper Kupp set to return vs Minnesota Vikings

Cooper Kupp hurt his ankle in Week 2 and hasn’t been on the field since. He was super close to making his comeback for this week’s game, but he just wasn’t ready to play yet.

In Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, Kupp showed he’s still a dominant force on the field with 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. He’s definitely someone you can’t overlook.

With two games in five days, the Rams played it safe with Cooper Kupp today. He'll be on the field Thursday night, and with another 49ers loss and a wide open NFC West, Los Angeles's season is far from done.

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) October 20, 2024

Kupp has also been in the middle of trade rumors lately, especially since the Rams are having a rough season so far with a 2-4 record. A few teams have shown interest in trading for him, so it’s worth noting that a trade could still go down before Thursday’s game.

Kupp is definitely one of the top receivers in the league and a former Offensive Player of the Year (2021), so the Vikings’ defense is going to have a real challenge on their hands this Thursday night.

Related: Former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins Had a Tough Day

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was the offensive coordinator for the Rams from 2020 to 2021, where he played a big role in helping Cooper Kupp snag the Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP awards. Since O’Connell knows Kupp’s game inside and out, it should give the Vikings an edge as they get ready to face him.