It was a simple question from star receiver Justin Jefferson shortly after head coach Kevin O’Connell accepted the job with the Vikings.

As they talked about their shared vision for the offense, Jefferson brought up star receiver Cooper Kupp unprompted, asking O’Connell how he was always so open for the Los Angeles Rams on their way to being crowned Super Bowl champions.

Never mind that the Rams used Kupp as the ultimate chess piece, lining him up in the slot, splitting him out wide, and even placing him in the backfield.

Maybe the biggest reason he was always so open, according to O’Connell, was his willingness to get his nose dirty when the play wasn’t designed for him.

“He was literally doing some things in the run game and it was, like, ‘There’s no way the Triple Crown winner is also doing that,’” O’Connell said. “The marriage of the run and the pass made it so there were some easy touches for him.”

That paved the way for Kupp to haul in 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns en route to being named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year.

A few seasons later, Kupp is suddenly available to the highest bidder. Should the Vikings be doing everything in their power to sign him?Though he isn’t close to the same player he was at the peak of his powers, which played a role in the Rams deciding to release him this week, Kupp still has the ability to make an impact in a lesser role.

On the surface, the Vikings offer a perfect landing spot, as Kupp could play predominantly in the slot while Jefferson, receiver Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson take most of the defensive attention elsewhere.

It would be the first time Kupp, who turns 32 years old this summer, would be able to take a backseat. He’s been a driving force for the Rams ever since he emerged as their No. 1 target early in his career.

Even with the meteoric rise of star receiver Puka Nacua over the past couple of seasons, Kupp has been continued to be somebody that opponents actively look to take away on a weekly basis.

That would change if he decides to sign with the Vikings.

It’d be interesting to see what Kupp could do as a piece to the puzzle rather than the draw that stirs the drink. Not only could his presence help make life easier for potential first-time starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but Kupp could also potentially unlock another dimension for the Vikings on offense with his ability to help marry the run and the pass.

There were way too many times last season when receiver Trent Sherfield, whoever specialized in blocking, simply being on the field provided a dead giveaway that the Vikings were going to run the ball.

The most concerning part about Kupp at this point in his career is the fact his body might be breaking down. He’s missed 18 games due to injury since his peak campaign a few seasons ago. That’s something else the Vikings have working in their favor, however, as they boast a medical staff that garnered a reputation for keeping players on the field.

A number teams have already shown interest in Kupp, who finished with 67 receptions for 710 yards and 6 touchdowns across 12 games last season.

If the Vikings have interest, the preexisting relationship that O’Connell has with Kupp could help in the recruitment process. Reports suggest Kupp hopes to make his decision sooner rather than later.

As well the Vikings have performed in free agency thus far, adding Kupp to the mix would be a win for all involved.

Vikings trade Ingram

You’d struggle to find a player on the Vikings more criticized that maligned right guard Ed Ingram.

Now, he’s getting a fresh start somewhere else.

A source confirmed to the Pioneer Press that the Vikings have traded Ingram to the Houston Texans in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah got anything for Ingram is a win for the Vikings.

The move also saves roughly $3.4 million in cap space.

After using a second-round pick on Ingram in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Vikings immediately made him a starter. Though he struggled mightily throughout his career, Ingram went on to start 41 games before finally being benched in favor of right guard Dalton Risner last season.

The addition of right guard Will Fries in free agency this week made Ingram expendable, even in a depth role.