The Cowboys seemed to be finally putting on their spurs and potentially entering free agency in a big way, but there may not be a horse in the barn.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported early Friday that Dallas is “making a push” and “working on” a contract with star free agent receiver Cooper Kupp.
He even noted, while not specifically mentioning Dallas, how Kupp could sign with a new team Friday.
However, about an hour later, Schefter reported a major twist.
“While the Cowboys made what one source described as ‘a push’ for Cooper Kupp, they still are not considered the likely landing spot for the former Rams wide receiver, per source,” Schefter wrote on X.
The Athletic reported the Seahawks and Saints are among the teams interested in the 31-year-old.
Dallas making a push for Kupp makes sense since he could pair with CeeDee Lamb to provide — when healthy — one of the better receiver duos in the sport.
The Super Bowl 2022 MVP is a free agent after the Rams released him following unsuccessful trade talks.
Kupp has struggled to stay healthy in recent years and the Rams opted to move forward with ex-Jet Davante Adams, who received a two-year, $46 million pact.
Since Kupp won the receiving triple crown in 2021, he’s yet to play more than 12 games in any season and has not been nearly as effective.
He appeared in 12 last year and tallied 67 catches for 710 yards and six touchdowns, on the heels of a 2023 season in which he notched 59 catches for 737 yards and five scores.
The Rams incurred a $22.3 million cap hit to move on from Kupp, whom they employed for eight seasons after selecting him in the third round of the 2017 draft.
“Eight years of incredible memories,” Kupp wrote on X. “We talked often about the Rams being back in LA and how we would grow to be something special here. And there was frustration early on around getting the buy in from the people of LA. But we knew at the end of the day, it’s about providing moments. Shared experiences. The things that parents and their children will talk about and remember forever.
“That is what makes the ending of these last eight years so difficult. It’s the ending of something we have enjoyed building with you. Thank you for these shared moments. Thank you LA for welcoming my family with open arms and allowing us to grow here.”
The Cowboys have tweaked their offense this offseason, adding former Broncos running back Javonte Williams and ex-Panthers back Miles Sanders.
Dallas went 7-10 last year while quarterback Dak Prescott and Lamb battled injuries.
The team is entering its first season under Brian ScH๏τtenheimer after the stunning decision to hand him the reins.
The Saints could use a receiver to pair with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed after the pair suffered season-ending injuries last year, while the Seahawks are looking for playmakers for new quarterback Sam Darnold after trading DK Metcalf to the Steelers and releasing veteran Tyler Lockett.
