Why Rams let Cooper Kupp leave for NFC West rival Seahawks
Why Rams let Cooper Kupp leave for NFC West rival Seahawks originally appeared on The Sporting News
Multiple fanbases will have to adjust their eyes on Sunday when they see Cooper Kupp.
The long-time Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver is no longer with the Rams. And even more notable, he's with the NFC West divisional rival Seattle Seahawks.
And to make it even more fascinating, the Seahawks open Week 1 on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, another NFC West team that has plenty of history against Kupp.
It'll be a bit odd for everyone.
MORE: Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson make personal college football coaching history
The Rams spent the early portion of this offseason exploring a trade for Cooper Kupp. No one made a suitable offer.
Rather than keep him around, they released him.
That set the Seahawks up to sign Kupp as a free agent. He's helping to replace DK Metcalf, who was traded to the Steelers.
Advertisement
Kupp is from Yakima, Washington, so this was a chance to go back home.
"It is a full circle moment for sure," Kupp told NFL Network. " It has been cool. Seeing the community here, the people we know here already, really looking forward to just being able to move up here and get the family up here, just really cool, full circle moment.
"There was a lot of things that went into that. A longer process than I think we thought it would be. But I think one, we want to be able to win. We wanted to go somewhere we thought we could go and pursue a championship."
The Rams brought in veteran Davante Adams to help replace Kupp.
Advertisement
MORE: Why Jacory Croskey-Merritt is called Bill
Cooper Kupp stats vs. 49ers
For the Rams, Cooper Kupp played 10 games against the 49ers, going 2-8.
He had 55 catches across those 10 games for 558 yards and three touchdowns.
He has only averaged fewer yards per game against two teams (Steelers, Jets), both of whom he had only played two games against in extremely small sample sizes.
The Seahawks will be hoping Kupp can change this in his Seattle debut.
Patriots’ Will Campbell earns encouraging Maxx Crosby endorsement after tough debut
Despite a tough debut that left fans questioning his early performance, New England Patriots rookie Will Campbell has received a powerful vote of confidence from one of the league’s top defenders. Maxx Crosby, the star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, praised Campbell’s potential after their matchup, offering words of encouragement that could serve as a game-changer for the young player’s career.
“I’ve seen the potential in Will,” Crosby said after the game. “He’s got what it takes to succeed at this level. It’s not easy to step onto the field as a rookie, but I see a lot of heart, determination, and talent in him. He’s only going to get better.”
Campbell, who struggled at times during his first professional game, showed resilience in the face of adversity. While the debut wasn’t perfect, Crosby’s endorsement speaks volumes about the rookie’s character and the belief that his growth is just beginning. “It’s all about learning from those tough moments and coming back stronger,” Crosby added. “The greats go through the struggles and come out on the other side better. Will is on that path.”
Campbell’s performance was closely watched, as expectations were high for the former college standout. However, despite the challenges he faced in his debut, the rookie maintained a level of poise that impressed Crosby and many others around the league.
“The kid’s got grit,” Crosby said. “It’s not about one game. It’s about how you bounce back, and I have no doubt Will is going to rise to the occasion.”
With Crosby’s endorsement ringing in his ears, Campbell is more motivated than ever to prove that he has what it takes to be a key player for the Patriots. His rookie journey may have started with struggles, but with the right mindset and support, Campbell is poised to make a powerful impact in the coming weeks and seasons.
For the Patriots, this rookie could be the future cornerstone of their defense, and with a respected veteran like Crosby backing him, Campbell’s confidence is sure to soar.
