Cooper Kupp cemented his status as an elite wide receiver last season, and he could soon get paid like one.
The Los Angeles Rams are working with the Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl LVI MVP on a new deal this offseason. According to team reporter Stu Jackson, head coach Sean McVay said the Rams have had “good dialogue” with Kupp and star defensive lineman Aaron Donald.
When a superstar negotiates a new deal, there’s often an impetus on getting paid more than anyone else at the position. Kupp, however, said he has a different mindset around negotiations.
The 28-year-old told reporters, via NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano, that he’s focused on himself rather than his peers.
“There’s a place you want to be. There’s a place that I think is fair,” Kupp said. “I’m not trying to beat anybody. I’m not trying to compare myself to anyone else.”
Cooper Kupp, asked if he wants to be the highest-paid WR in the @NFL:
“I don’t think that’s the approach that I take.”
“There’s a place you want to be. There’s a place that I think is fair.”
“I’m not trying to beat anybody. I’m not trying to compare myself to anyone else.”
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) April 19, 2022
After acquiring Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers last month, the Las Vegas Raiders made him the league’s highest-paid wideout. That distinction lasted a few days before the Miami Dolphins traded for Tyreek Hill and set a new benchmark at $30 million per year and $52.5 million fully guaranteed.
Of course, Kupp could argue another record-setting deal is fair after his historic campaign.
Kupp led the NFL with 145 receptions, 1,947 receiving yards, and 16 receiving touchdowns last season. He then came up huge throughout the Rams’ Super Bowl run, tallying 478 yards and six touchdowns across four games.
He’s taking a different approach from other elite receivers seeking a huge payday by attending the team’s voluntary offseason workouts. Per Siciliano, Kupp joked that it was “important” to attend so he can hide McVay’s hair gel and general manager Les Snead’s bike.
Kupp’s comments about an extension could leave the door open for a team-friendly discount to make sure the Rams can also pay Donald before embarking on a Super Bowl defense. Yet he should nevertheless be in store for a substantial raise.
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