The confetti’s barely settled in Seattle, and the champagne corks haven’t even hit the recycling bin-but the NFL doesn’t do hangovers. The Seahawks are Super Bowl champions, and while they’ve earned every right to celebrate, the front office is already knee-deep in 2026 planning. That’s life in a league where the clock never stops ticking.
One of the biggest questions looming over Seattle’s offseason? Cooper Kupp.
Kupp’s first year in a Seahawks uniform didn’t exactly mirror the All-Pro heights he reached with the Rams. Statistically, it was a quiet regular season: 47 catches, 593 yards, two touchdowns.
Not terrible, but certainly a step down from the standard he set during his peak years in Los Angeles. Part of that can be chalked up to the rise of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a run game that steamrolled its way through defenses.
But even with those factors, Kupp didn’t look like the same game-changing presence.
That said, when the lights were brightest, Kupp reminded everyone he still has something left in the tank. With Smith-Njigba sidelined by a concussion in the Super Bowl, Kupp became a go-to option, hauling in six catches on 12 targets for 61 yards.
It capped off a solid postseason run-15 receptions, 157 yards, and a touchdown over three games. Not eye-popping numbers, but timely, veteran production when it mattered most.
Now comes the tricky part. Kupp turns 33 this year, and the Seahawks have to decide whether he’s part of their future-or part of their past.
Financially, it’s a decision with real implications. Kupp carries a $17.47 million cap hit in 2026, with $8 million in dead money.
Seattle does have breathing room-they’re currently fifth in the league in cap space with $73 million-but that doesn’t mean they can afford to spend inefficiently. Sam Darnold’s contract is quarterback-friendly, but Kenneth Walker is hitting free agency, and the defense has its own set of questions to answer.
The wide receiver room is another concern. Rashid Shaheed is also a free agent, leaving Seattle a bit thin at the position.
But even with that need, it’s fair to ask: is Kupp the best use of roster space and cap dollars? Based on what we saw this season, he’s no longer a clear-cut No. 2 option-and he’s being paid far more than a third or fourth receiver typically commands.
If Kupp is still wearing navy and action green when Week 1 rolls around, odds are it’ll be on a restructured deal. The Seahawks have a championship core, but staying on top in this league means making tough, sometimes cold decisions. Cooper Kupp’s future is shaping up to be one of them.