It is not surprising whatsoever that the Dallas Cowboys have been bystanders in the initial wave of free agency.
They have made nifty moves in the form of defensive lineman Solomon Thomas and running back Javonte Williams, but most of their work has revolved around retaining their own on team-friendly deals. When it came time to pay up to keep Jourdan Lewis and Chauncey Golston, though, Dallas was nowhere to be found.
Cornerback is arguably the biggest need on the roster following Lewis' departure, but a second wide receiver is not far behind. While KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Tolbert are fine depth options, an upgrade over Brandin Cooks at WR2 could take this offense to the next level.
Fortunately for Dallas, the receiver market is moving at a snails' pace. Davante Adams, Chris Godwin and DeAndre Hopkins are the only household names that are off the board. Josh Palmer and Darius Slayton each got $12 million per year, but they aren't needle-movers.
Speaking of moving the needle, the latest free-agency buzz suggest Dallas is in the running for an accomplished veteran WR.
Cowboys are reportedly eyeing longtime Rams' WR Cooper Kupp
Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado understands the Cowboys are "very in the mix" for Rams star Cooper Kupp. The Rams are reportedly expected to release Kupp before the start of the new league year, which starts at 3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, if a trade doesn't materialize.
A team could swoop in with a day three pick to prevent entering a bidding war for Kupp, but the expectation is Kupp will be released.
While the Rams would likely eat some of Kupp's contract to facilitate a potential trade, he is guaranteed $5 million next season to go with a $29.78 million cap hit. It's no wonder Los Angeles has had trouble finding a trade partner.
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Regardless, it makes sense that the Cowboys are in on Kupp. New WRs coach Junior Adams coached Kupp at Eastern Washington, where Kupp was a consensus first-team All-American.
Health, of course, is a big question mark with Kupp. The soon-to-be 32-year-old has missed a combined 18 games over the last three seasons due to injury. That is a major red flag, but it's not like Dallas would depend on Kupp to carry the offense.
In 12 games last season, Kupp caught 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns. He has continued to produce when healthy and there is already evidence of him thriving in the WR2 role, which is the role he would have in Dallas.
The Cowboys are simply in no position to turn their nose up at Kupp. He's no longer the player who won a receiving Triple Crown and Super Bowl MVP, but is still a quality secondary option who would give Dak Prescott and the offense a massive lift.