Cooper Kupp isn’t the offensive focal point he once was in Los Angeles, but he’s still doing enough to stick around in Seattle. And now, it’s official - the veteran receiver will be back with the Seahawks in 2026.
Kupp’s three-year, $45 million deal included a key clause: $9 million of his 2026 salary became fully guaranteed on February 13. The Seahawks had the option to move on before that date and avoid the guarantee, but they didn’t - a clear sign they still see value in the former Super Bowl MVP, even if his role has shifted.
Last season, Kupp hauled in 47 catches for 593 yards and two touchdowns. Solid numbers, though far from his peak production.
But stats don’t tell the whole story here. Kupp came up big when it mattered most, delivering clutch plays during Seattle’s postseason run - a run that ended with a Super Bowl title.
That kind of veteran presence and playoff savvy doesn’t always show up on a stat sheet, but it’s exactly the kind of value teams covet in January and February.
Financially, things get a little more complicated in 2026. Kupp’s cap hit will jump from $9.35 million to $17.47 million, a significant leap for a receiver who’s now clearly the No. 2 option in the offense. The Seahawks could look to restructure the deal to ease the cap burden - a common move in today’s NFL - but for now, Kupp is locked in for another season, with $12.9 million in base salary and up to $510,000 in per-game roster bonuses.
The reality is, Kupp’s role has changed. This is Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s offense now.
Coming off a breakout campaign that earned him 2025 NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors, JSN has emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers - and he’s still playing on a rookie deal. That’s a bargain the Seahawks know won’t last much longer.
Smith-Njigba is now eligible for an extension, and given his production, it’s hard to argue he should take another snap without a new deal in place. He’s set to make just $2.7 million in 2026 - a number that’s wildly out of sync with his value.
And then there’s Rashid Shaheed, the midseason pickup who turned into a legitimate X factor during the Seahawks’ title run. He’s set to hit free agency, and with Kupp returning and a big payday looming for Smith-Njigba, Seattle may not have the financial flexibility to keep Shaheed in the fold - especially if another team is willing to open the checkbook.
So while Kupp is staying put, the Seahawks’ wide receiver room could still see some changes. Keeping a veteran like Kupp around makes sense for a team chasing another Lombardi - he’s reliable, he’s clutch, and he knows how to win. But with a rising star in JSN and contract decisions looming, Seattle’s front office has some tough calls ahead.