Adam Schefter reveals reasoning Cowboys dropped out of Cooper Kupp sweepstakes

A few hours before Cooper Kupp signed with the Seattle Seahawks, reports emerged of the Dallas Cowboys being interested. Another big-time wide receiver is needed on the roster, hoping to pair someone with CeeDee Lamb. Not many available were as experienced or talented as Kupp.

Of course, Kupp wound up picking the Seahawks but ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided some insight on the Cowboys’ interest. Turns out, both Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott were on the phone discussing the possibility of signing with Dallas.

Everything fell a part when contract numbers began to be discussed, though. Kupp may have been ready to sign however, Schefter says the Cowboys were not willing to pay Kupp once hearing what dollar figure would get the deal done.

“Last Thursday, the Cowboys reached out about Cooper Kupp and they were interested,” Schefter said. “Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, who I understand it, were on the phone with Cooper Kupp talking to him about the idea of coming to Dallas, and it was floated out there. And then the Cowboys heard the numbers, and they were at numbers that the Cowboys weren’t going to get to.”

Kupp wound up getting a three-year deal with Seattle for $45 million. An average of $15 million would be well more than what Dallas has paid a free agent in years. Despite freeing up cap space via contract restructures of Lamb and Prescott, significant money has not been spent this offseason.

Even so, there have been a couple of moves made at wide receiver. Kavontae Turpin signed a fresh deal and despite making his name on special teams, the goal could be to get him more involved in offense. Pariss Campbell got a one-year deal from Dallas too.

The 2025 NFL Draft is most likely where the Cowboys will instead attempt to find WR2. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah recently mocked Matthew Golden of the Texas Longhorns to Dallas in the first round, going with the No. 12 overall pick.

Seattle is able to keep Kupp out West and even within the division. He will connect with newly-signed quarterback Sam Darnold with the hopes of getting the Seahawks back into the playoffs. A nice payday is coming Kupp’s way too.

But you can add another franchise to the list of teams unwilling to pay Kupp. After Los Angeles wanted to get out of the original contract, Dallas was priced out too.