My thinking was trending against this signing, but hey, I don’t evaluate NFL talent for a living and the guys who do decided to go for it. I’ve always liked Kupp, great when he’s on the field, an E-WA boy (like me) with a chip on his shoulder. We’ve now added two big-body WR vets to an offense that wants to focus on the run game - I’ll take it. I get the “he plays slot just like JSN” argument, but when I look at how much KK’s NOLA offense threw to tight ends last year, I figure there’s some magic he can do with a bunch of TEs, RBs, and slots looking to get the ball.
Plus - we will be drafting WRs, at least 2. One in our first 3 picks, another project later. And/or a TE in there somewhere, as SSJ has suggested. So, I feel like our receiver room will be just fine, ready to support the grind-it-out run-first offense we’re building. Young flyers on the outside, lotsa blocking and linebacker distractions in tight and through the middle. Excited to see how it goes.
I wonder what went into the decision to sign Kupp and not No-E. It seems to me Tyler could have been signed for the same or maybe even less money. Maybe Kupp's familiarity with the system was the x factor.
Kupp and MVS combined don’t come close to replacing Metcalf. Seattle would have been better off paying DK through the last year of his contract, managing him through the season, and taking a compensatory pick. Who doubts that this would be Darnold’s druthers?
Except DK was intent on being traded and would not negotiate. Same with Smith. JS was interviewed on these trades and made it clear the trades were the decision of the players, not the team management.
Kupp has the knowhow and the experience to manipulate defenders in order to get open. Therefore, a great pickup. Let's hope he isn't over exposed to being reinjured.
If Kupp is healthy it's a great pickup, if not that's football. Also. there's quit a few good veteran FAs left unsigned! The D is much better and we will know more about the O after the draft.
I am completely fine with it. The Seahawks needed a number 2 receiver that is reliable and can get open to make it hard to always double team JSN. I believe Kubiak can figure out how to make Kupp and JSN work while they are both on the field. Kupp is an amazing route runner and not a speedster suggesting he can still contribute as he ages. I have also come to terms but not peace that Schneider is unlikely to spend big on the O-line in free agency.
“I was sure they were throwing in the towel on 2025 when they traded their 2 best players. But now they’ve spent $87 million on two old vets at the end of their careers…” Heard this on the TV as I was doing dishes. I shake my head. It’s not in the Seahawks blood to tank, even with the Tank! 12 wins is my floor. Don’t worry, I’m not on drugs. I believe I can will the outcome. Make it so!
Leaving aside the issues of age, lack of speed, probability of injury and cost (whew), what I don't see with CK is the versatility he once had. I thought that was a big MM consideration. Unless I'm missing reality here, Kupp can only (mainly) play in the slot, which causes us to lose some of JSN's strength and versatility. On the other hand, maybe there are some cool ways to scheme that potential issue away. I pity whoever has to defend our slot receiver now. It does sound like he will be a positive addition attitude-wise. And the crowds at Hawks- Rams games are going to be ... wack!
Kupp is a great route-runner. Are we certain that he can only play in the slot? For some reason I find it unlikely that he can't ever line up outside while still being effective.
I'm not in doubt re his route running. Does he still have the requisite speed & agility? I have to assume that JS wouldn't have bet the guaranteed $$ if CK hadn't demonstrated that his oft repaired knees & ankles were healthy enough for the anticipated # of snaps.
I'm feeling better about this even if he misses 3-4 games (tops)
I genuinely don't understand how this works. (Not mad, just out of my depth.) Kubiak favors 12 formation, and I've only just gotten into my thick skull what that is. But there's NO slot in 12 formation, right? So JSN isn't a slot, and MVS isn't a slot and Cooper isn't a slot, except in specific situations when we're in some other formation I can't name. I mean, I can see this working in trips, and maybe it has to do with route trees/selection? In any event the third WR gets 200 snaps a season in this offense, if memory serves. Or maybe the two vets split the WR2 role?
Also...I'm thinking, from the comments, that when we all type "more Bobo!" we don't really mean it.
Final thought: We might want to give JS a break here, and I wouldn't have said I was a fan. Best I can tell he's had ONE draft post-Pete, and I think we're pretty happy with how the class of '24 has turned out so far. I know, I know, Haynes had a rough rookie year. Let's see what this coaching staff can make of him, especially when he's in a zone blocking system that fits him better. I'm hoping all this means JS truly can draft BPA, that the incoming offensive staff is good at evaluating talent (they're clearly good at improving line play), and that at the end of the day all this turns into the team I think it's going to be.
I think fans get hung up on scheme vs. execution. Let’s say Kubiak “likes” 12 personnel. So what? You can put a slot outside of a TE and run a sweep, still. You can motion the “slot” and then expose the TE and run the same play. The idea that because a guy is an X or a Z is meaningless. Kupp is a good blocker (something you really cannot write about any receiver the Seahawks have or had. In a set with MVS and Kupp, with JSN off the field, you still have options. And vice-versa. And in an offense that will throw to the TE more, you need someone else to draw attention. JSN also isn’t a huge human, so you also want options to spell him, and Kupp also shouldn’t play every down. I think the key is versatility, not scheme. And Kubiak, unlike Grubb, will likely scheme to the talent he has. How many times did we watch Grubb not to do that? He went empty constantly with an O-line that couldn’t handle the duty. He put Geno in shotgun constantly, with zero signal they might run out of it. Reading last year’s offense was way too easy. They grabbed Darnold because he’s fine with his back to the line. Geno clearly wasn’t. I don’t think that was a Grub thing, I think it was a Geno thing. Play action will be bread and butter, with quick hitters out of it, to run and to pass. The entire NFL does this but Seattle’s failed to forever. That’s what Kupp and JSN are good for; 6-8 yards directly out of play-action. If you run-action off the same formation all the better.
I still wonder if Bobo could play a more versatile role. As a receiver he reminds me a little of former rams receiver Ben Skowronek, but with better hands.
He’s great with contested catches. His size should be used in the red zone. He can get separation despite his lack of speed. Regarding contested catches Kupp has caught over 70% of his targets in his career, and is over 10% better than DK.
I would want to ask X and Os people: how much does the recent increase in condensed formations (I.e. more receivers playing close to the ball) impact Seattle’s decision to have 2 starting slot receivers?
Maybe line up with 2 TEs tight on the line, JSN and Kupp out wide. Pre snap cadence, Kupp and JSN both motion into the slot while the TEs split out wide. TEs could become knarly blockers and targets 🤷♂️ didn't I read that Kubiak likes 2 TE formations?
As Joe has explained, the chances of the Seahawks finding immediate help in the draft are close to zero.
I think that Schneider’s eyes lit up when Pittsburgh offered a #2 for DK and he didn’t think through the position he was putting himself (and Darnold, for that matter) in.
Don’t get me wrong: two second round draft choices is a good thing. It means that Schneider will probably will probably get a player out of the second round. He pretty much has to, though.
Also, DK requested a trade, and the organizational philosophy is they don't want people here who don't want to be here. So, if the offer was decent, he was probably gone. Idk that the 2nd had him traded when he wasn't going to be.
You gotta have a mix of savvy vets and young guys. The former can show the ropes to the latter. I am cautiously really freaking AMPED for this guy I have always hated. I had hoped we could bring Tyler back for a cheap deal for his last season for the same reason, but I belive that Kupp is way better at this point of their careers.
My thinking was trending against this signing, but hey, I don’t evaluate NFL talent for a living and the guys who do decided to go for it. I’ve always liked Kupp, great when he’s on the field, an E-WA boy (like me) with a chip on his shoulder. We’ve now added two big-body WR vets to an offense that wants to focus on the run game - I’ll take it. I get the “he plays slot just like JSN” argument, but when I look at how much KK’s NOLA offense threw to tight ends last year, I figure there’s some magic he can do with a bunch of TEs, RBs, and slots looking to get the ball.
Plus - we will be drafting WRs, at least 2. One in our first 3 picks, another project later. And/or a TE in there somewhere, as SSJ has suggested. So, I feel like our receiver room will be just fine, ready to support the grind-it-out run-first offense we’re building. Young flyers on the outside, lotsa blocking and linebacker distractions in tight and through the middle. Excited to see how it goes.
I wonder what went into the decision to sign Kupp and not No-E. It seems to me Tyler could have been signed for the same or maybe even less money. Maybe Kupp's familiarity with the system was the x factor.
I just asked AI 'who are the best blocking WR in the NFL'...
Some of the NFL's best-known wide receivers for their blocking prowess include Brandon Aiyuk, Hines Ward, and Cooper Kupp.
LOL I love it...
Someone has to say it; might as well be me.
Kupp and MVS combined don’t come close to replacing Metcalf. Seattle would have been better off paying DK through the last year of his contract, managing him through the season, and taking a compensatory pick. Who doubts that this would be Darnold’s druthers?
Except DK was intent on being traded and would not negotiate. Same with Smith. JS was interviewed on these trades and made it clear the trades were the decision of the players, not the team management.
Kupp has the knowhow and the experience to manipulate defenders in order to get open. Therefore, a great pickup. Let's hope he isn't over exposed to being reinjured.
He has or had great hands. Whatever on the money. I hope he stays healthy.
If Kupp is healthy it's a great pickup, if not that's football. Also. there's quit a few good veteran FAs left unsigned! The D is much better and we will know more about the O after the draft.
I like Kupp!! But… Is our OLine getting better?? NO!!! And, we lost a starting guard…
The starting guard we lost was not a legitimate NFL starter anymore. Which is why he was not re-signed.
I am completely fine with it. The Seahawks needed a number 2 receiver that is reliable and can get open to make it hard to always double team JSN. I believe Kubiak can figure out how to make Kupp and JSN work while they are both on the field. Kupp is an amazing route runner and not a speedster suggesting he can still contribute as he ages. I have also come to terms but not peace that Schneider is unlikely to spend big on the O-line in free agency.
“I was sure they were throwing in the towel on 2025 when they traded their 2 best players. But now they’ve spent $87 million on two old vets at the end of their careers…” Heard this on the TV as I was doing dishes. I shake my head. It’s not in the Seahawks blood to tank, even with the Tank! 12 wins is my floor. Don’t worry, I’m not on drugs. I believe I can will the outcome. Make it so!
Leaving aside the issues of age, lack of speed, probability of injury and cost (whew), what I don't see with CK is the versatility he once had. I thought that was a big MM consideration. Unless I'm missing reality here, Kupp can only (mainly) play in the slot, which causes us to lose some of JSN's strength and versatility. On the other hand, maybe there are some cool ways to scheme that potential issue away. I pity whoever has to defend our slot receiver now. It does sound like he will be a positive addition attitude-wise. And the crowds at Hawks- Rams games are going to be ... wack!
Kupp is a great route-runner. Are we certain that he can only play in the slot? For some reason I find it unlikely that he can't ever line up outside while still being effective.
I'm not in doubt re his route running. Does he still have the requisite speed & agility? I have to assume that JS wouldn't have bet the guaranteed $$ if CK hadn't demonstrated that his oft repaired knees & ankles were healthy enough for the anticipated # of snaps.
I'm feeling better about this even if he misses 3-4 games (tops)
I genuinely don't understand how this works. (Not mad, just out of my depth.) Kubiak favors 12 formation, and I've only just gotten into my thick skull what that is. But there's NO slot in 12 formation, right? So JSN isn't a slot, and MVS isn't a slot and Cooper isn't a slot, except in specific situations when we're in some other formation I can't name. I mean, I can see this working in trips, and maybe it has to do with route trees/selection? In any event the third WR gets 200 snaps a season in this offense, if memory serves. Or maybe the two vets split the WR2 role?
Also...I'm thinking, from the comments, that when we all type "more Bobo!" we don't really mean it.
Final thought: We might want to give JS a break here, and I wouldn't have said I was a fan. Best I can tell he's had ONE draft post-Pete, and I think we're pretty happy with how the class of '24 has turned out so far. I know, I know, Haynes had a rough rookie year. Let's see what this coaching staff can make of him, especially when he's in a zone blocking system that fits him better. I'm hoping all this means JS truly can draft BPA, that the incoming offensive staff is good at evaluating talent (they're clearly good at improving line play), and that at the end of the day all this turns into the team I think it's going to be.
I think fans get hung up on scheme vs. execution. Let’s say Kubiak “likes” 12 personnel. So what? You can put a slot outside of a TE and run a sweep, still. You can motion the “slot” and then expose the TE and run the same play. The idea that because a guy is an X or a Z is meaningless. Kupp is a good blocker (something you really cannot write about any receiver the Seahawks have or had. In a set with MVS and Kupp, with JSN off the field, you still have options. And vice-versa. And in an offense that will throw to the TE more, you need someone else to draw attention. JSN also isn’t a huge human, so you also want options to spell him, and Kupp also shouldn’t play every down. I think the key is versatility, not scheme. And Kubiak, unlike Grubb, will likely scheme to the talent he has. How many times did we watch Grubb not to do that? He went empty constantly with an O-line that couldn’t handle the duty. He put Geno in shotgun constantly, with zero signal they might run out of it. Reading last year’s offense was way too easy. They grabbed Darnold because he’s fine with his back to the line. Geno clearly wasn’t. I don’t think that was a Grub thing, I think it was a Geno thing. Play action will be bread and butter, with quick hitters out of it, to run and to pass. The entire NFL does this but Seattle’s failed to forever. That’s what Kupp and JSN are good for; 6-8 yards directly out of play-action. If you run-action off the same formation all the better.
Thanks. I am especially hopeful Kubiak will scheme to our strengths.
I still wonder if Bobo could play a more versatile role. As a receiver he reminds me a little of former rams receiver Ben Skowronek, but with better hands.
He’s great with contested catches. His size should be used in the red zone. He can get separation despite his lack of speed. Regarding contested catches Kupp has caught over 70% of his targets in his career, and is over 10% better than DK.
I would want to ask X and Os people: how much does the recent increase in condensed formations (I.e. more receivers playing close to the ball) impact Seattle’s decision to have 2 starting slot receivers?
Maybe line up with 2 TEs tight on the line, JSN and Kupp out wide. Pre snap cadence, Kupp and JSN both motion into the slot while the TEs split out wide. TEs could become knarly blockers and targets 🤷♂️ didn't I read that Kubiak likes 2 TE formations?
If it was a decision. From here, it looks more like something they were forced into.
With 5 picks in the top 100 and ability to get more, they aren't 'forced' to sign anyone.
As Joe has explained, the chances of the Seahawks finding immediate help in the draft are close to zero.
I think that Schneider’s eyes lit up when Pittsburgh offered a #2 for DK and he didn’t think through the position he was putting himself (and Darnold, for that matter) in.
Don’t get me wrong: two second round draft choices is a good thing. It means that Schneider will probably will probably get a player out of the second round. He pretty much has to, though.
Also, DK requested a trade, and the organizational philosophy is they don't want people here who don't want to be here. So, if the offer was decent, he was probably gone. Idk that the 2nd had him traded when he wasn't going to be.
A philosophy is one thing. A strait jacket is another.
DOn't have the answer to your question but I do expect to see a lot of mesh concept plays next fall
Maybe lots of bunch sets as well, with MVS as the 3rd WR running the deep clearout while JSN and Kupp combo short & med routes
True, good point
You gotta have a mix of savvy vets and young guys. The former can show the ropes to the latter. I am cautiously really freaking AMPED for this guy I have always hated. I had hoped we could bring Tyler back for a cheap deal for his last season for the same reason, but I belive that Kupp is way better at this point of their careers.
Lockett may struggle to find a home so if he’s on the market in May, maybe that’s when Seattle considers a reunion.
I don't even want him from a team-building perspective anymore but I badly want him to retire a Seahawk. This is why I could never be a GM.
I don’t mind this at all. Great player when healthy, great teammate, makes the WR room better. And he’ll be highly motivated.
Good addition, needed a veteran leader and role model in the receiving room and on a young team.