After adding key reinforcements last offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles soared to a 14-3 record and looked dominant for most of the year. Despite some shaky moments in the NFL playoffs, they seemingly got better as the postseason progressed and won their second Super Bowl title in franchise history with a dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch of Super Bowl 57.
Free-agent signing Saquon Barkley was the driving force of Philadelphia’s offense, breaking the all-time single-season rushing record when combining regular season and playoff stats with 2,504 yards.
Meanwhile, Zack Baun, Cooper DeJean, and Quinyon Mitchell were huge additions on the defense. However, it was quarterback Jalen Hurts who rose to the occasion on the biggest stage, leading both teams in rushing yards in the Super Bowl — something only Steve Young had done before him.
While Philadelphia’s offense was dominant during the Super Bowl, one NFL insider believes the Eagles could make a stunning offseason move to upgrade their passing attack.
NFL Insider Predicts Eagles Will Trade for Cooper Kupp
Sports Illustrated believes the Eagles will look to add a dynamic veteran wideout, with Cooper Kupp emerging as a perfect fit:
“The Eagles will trade for Cooper Kupp. After watching this team throughout the postseason, I was taken by how beautiful their offense was with the contribution of so many receivers willing to put their body on the line as blockers.
“Kupp is one of those wideouts and is a net positive for any team’s running game. With precious little time remaining on the Saquon Barkley contract (and prime), the Eagles not only have to fortify Barkley’s offensive line but also the players around the offensive line who can contribute.”
Some NFL insiders predict the Rams to trade Kupp by mid-March, making him a potential game-changer for the Eagles.
“I think they agree to a trade before the beginning of the league year in mid-March,” said Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “As for the return, I’d say it’s probably a Day 3 pick. Remember, the contract will weigh down any negotiation.
“He’s due a $7.5 million roster bonus on St. Patrick’s Day (hence the urgency to move him before then), with $5 million of it fully guaranteed, and another $12.5 million in nonguaranteed base salary.
“He’s not going to make all $20 million next year. So the Rams’ willingness to pay some of (or even all of) the roster bonus, and Kupp’s willingness to take less in base salary, will be needed to make a deal happen.”
Kupp’s Contract and Salary
Coming off winning Super Bowl MVP in 2022, Kupp and the Rams agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $80.1 million. The deal included $35 million guaranteed at signing and $75 million in total guarantees.
Kupp’s first season on this new deal was 2024, so he still has two years remaining on this lucrative deal. In 2024, Kupp’s cap hit was $29.78 million — the largest of any wide receiver in the NFL. In 2025, he’ll once again have a cap hit of $29.78 million. Then, it decreases slightly to $27.33 million in 2026.
The Rams would save $7.5 million in cap space if they cut him this offseason and $19.9 million if they cut him before the start of the 2026 league year, but a trade is obviously way more likely.
Prior to the trade deadline, there were reports that the Rams were shopping Kupp and open to eating some of his salary in order to facilitate a deal. Kupp could also agree to restructure his contract to lower his cap number after a trade.
How did Kupp get this monster extension? He had just helped the Rams win Super Bowl 56, recording eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns (including the game-winner) to earn Super Bowl MVP honors. That season, Kupp had a career year, catching 145 passes for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns.
There are plenty of teams who could use a wide receiver like Kupp, but his contract certainly complicates a potential trade.
Why Kupp to the Eagles Makes Sense
Philadelphia’s passing game had moments of brilliance, but it wasn’t always reliable. This was reflected in the Eagles’ 14th-ranked Offensive+ grade of 77.4 (C+) during the regular season.
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are a formidable duo, but the Eagles’ receiving corps lacks depth and a veteran leader. This was on display when Brown and Smith got hurt during the 2024 season and Philadelphia was relying on Jahan Dotson, Parris Campbell, and Britain Covey among others.
Kupp would immediately elevate the offense, bringing elite route running, reliability, and the kind of versatility that fits perfectly in Nick Sirianni’s system.
They make it look easy 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8MqTDs4iNr
— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2024
This also seems like a Howie Roseman move — remember, he traded a third-round pick to the Washington Commanders for Dotson and a fifth-round pick last August. Since Dotson struggled to make an impact, catching just 19 passes for 216 yards during the regular season and three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown during the playoffs, it’s possible the Eagles’ front office will look to find a more reliable WR3 option.
The Eagles’ offense revolved around Barkley in 2024, and while that formula proved successful, Philadelphia can’t afford to continue relying on him as its primary weapon moving forward. Defenses will adapt, and injuries remain an ever-present risk for a high-usage running back.
That’s where Kupp comes in. He’s not just a dynamic slot receiver — he’s a top-tier run blocker, a high-IQ playmaker, and a veteran presence who can elevate Philly’s entire receiving corps with his leadership in the locker room.
With Barkley at his peak and Hurts proving he can take over when needed, the Eagles are in their Super Bowl window. Adding Kupp would solidify their offense as one of the most complete in the NFL.
If Philadelphia is serious about defending its title, this could be the move that keeps them ahead of the competition.
