The Los Angeles Chargers need to add a talented receiver to the room. We all know that. Outside of striking a deal to bring future Hall-of-Famer Khalil Mack back, the Bolts have been extremely quiet in free agency, and they have yet to add a formidable target for Justin Herbert.
A name that has been linked to the Los Angeles Chargers ever since it was leaked that the Los Angeles Rams were planning on moving on is Cooper Kupp.
Kupp was just officially released by the Rams at the turn of the new league year, so the Chargers are now free to negotiate with the former All-Pro in an attempt to keep him in LA.
Is Cooper Kupp A Fit With The Los Angeles Chargers?
While Bovada lists the Chargers as the 3rd best odds to land Kupp (behind the Jaguars and Broncos), is he really a fit with the Bolts? Many will argue that the Chargers already have a younger Kupp-like player on the roster in Ladd McConkey, so adding the veteran will be too much repetition in the offense.
There is some validity to this argument. Both players are similar in size and run the majority of their routes from the slot.
Last season, McConkey lined up in the slot on 512 snaps and out wide on 263 snaps. Similarly, Kupp was in the slot on 459 snaps and was out wide for 272 snaps, both per PFF. Clearly, both players thrived from running from the slot.
However, both players can still succeed on the field. For one, Kupp will have a different role with the Los Angeles Chargers than he had with the Rams. We all saw Puka Nacua take over as WR1 in that offense, and in a way, it was detrimental to Kupp and what he did within the offense.
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I don’t think he would join the Chargers as WR1. He would join as a compliment to McConkey. Adding a layer to the offense that currently isn’t there. He can still run from the X or Y position, but this would allow the Chargers to run different combinations from the inside while Quentin Johnston can continue to grow from the outside.
Also, even at his age, Kupp is still one of the best blocking receivers in football. We all know that the Chargers and Jim Harbaugh want to run the rock. Kupp would instantly be an upgrade in this regard.
The biggest question will be what will he cost. Clearly, his previous contract was too rich, as no team made a move to trade for him. The Chargers could potentially get him at a bargain price and give Justin Herbert a big-name weapon… finally.