Dallas Cowboys COO Stephen Jones discussed being “selectively aggressive” with the team’s offseason moves. Adding a No. 2 wide receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb seems to be a priority, and they could take an aggressive approach by pursuing a player familiar with the Cowboys’ new wide receivers coach.
The Cowboys are in need of a second receiver behind CeeDee Lamb. While they are hopeful that Jonathan Mingo, their trade-deadline acquisition from Carolina, can develop into that role, it’s still too early to tell, so they will be exploring options to add to the position. They could become a potential suitor for Cooper Kupp if his price drops significantly.
As Graziano notes, the Cowboys are still hopeful Mingo can develop into a key player, considering they traded a fourth-round pick for him last year at the trade deadline. The Cowboys value their draft picks more than most teams, so when they trade them away, they need the player to succeed.
However, Kupp could be an ideal backup plan. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer hired Junior Adams from Oregon as the new wide receivers coach. Adams brings valuable influence from the college game, and there’s hope that if the Cowboys trade for Kupp, Adams could be a key factor in making it happen.
Adams and Kupp previously worked together when Kupp was at Eastern Washington University. Kupp has credited Adams as a mentor, and the two have continued to work together in the offseason despite no longer being in the same program.
The Cowboys have been hoping Jalen Tolbert will step up and become a No. 2 wide receiver. Despite a career year with 610 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, Tolbert is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
There’s optimism he will continue to develop like Mingo, but having Kupp on the roster would give the Cowboys a legitimate wide receiver to pair with Lamb, while Tolbert and Mingo work on improving their skills. Kupp would also serve as an excellent mentor to both players, just as he did with Puka Nacua in Los Angeles.
The Cowboys’ offense will need more weapons to succeed in Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as offensive coordinator. Kupp would certainly provide that boost.