If the Patriots are still on the hunt for a wide receiver, Cooper Kupp is officially available.
The Rams released the 31-year-old Wednesday, the first day of the new league year, unable to find a trade partner this offseason. Kupp, a 2017 third-round pick, had spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Rams, becoming an integral part of their offense and Super Bowl LVI championship.
Health is a concern for Kupp, who hasn’t had a healthy season since 2021 — the year he led the league with 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. He missed eight games in 2022 with a high ankle sprain that required surgery, five in 2023 with a hamstring injury, and five in 2024 with an ankle injury.
But Kupp could be an intriguing option for the Patriots, who could use an injection of talent and leadership into their wide receiver room. Kupp, known for his tough-nosed play, would set a strong example for the young receivers. And his numbers last season — 67 receptions for 710 yards and 6 touchdowns in 12 games — still exceeded those of any Patriots receiver.
Kupp does have experience working with one member of the Patriots coaching staff: tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Thomas Brown. Six of the eight free agents the Patriots signed have at least one connection to a member of the coaching staff. Brown was on staff for three seasons with the Rams, working as the assistant head coach.
Kupp also has a friendship with Kendrick Bourne, his college teammate for four seasons at Eastern Washington. After Kupp’s season ended in the divisional round, Bourne wrote on social media, “Come to NE [Cooper Kupp]. We’ll take care of you lol all the targets!”
A top-flight wide receiver remains one of the Patriots’ crucial needs. The team has fortified its defense, handing out lucrative contracts to defensive tackle Milton Williams, cornerback Carlton Davis, edge rusher Harold Landry, and linebacker Robert Spillane.
On offense, the team’s biggest addition has been right tackle Morgan Moses. The Patriots also signed wideout Mack Hollins and quarterback Josh Dobbs, though Hollins doesn’t move the needle in the way that a premier receiver ould.
The Patriots were prepared to spend big on Chris Godwin, but he elected to remain in Tampa Bay for less money. Other veteran wide receivers who remain unsigned in free agency include Stefon Diggs, Tyler Lockett, Keenan Allen, and Amari Cooper.
Outside of receiver, left tackle is New England’s most pressing need.
Cam Robinson, 29, is a veteran option with eight years of starting experience. He also played for offensive line coach Doug Marrone for 7½ seasons in Jacksonville. Robinson would cost around $15 million per year, so perhaps the Patriots view that price tag as too steep. But, given the value of the deals they handed out on Monday and the crucial nature of the position, it’s a bit surprising they haven’t made a move yet to address left tackle. If they don’t, it seems more likely they’ll take a tackle early in the draft.
Tyron Smith is an option who would be cheaper than Robinson, but the question for him is: does he still want to play? The 34-year-old said in January he was contemplating retirement. Smith’s availability has been spotty since 2020, playing 40 games in that five-year span.
Last season, Smith played opposite Moses for the Jets. Todd Downing served as their quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.
Other interesting free agents who remain unsigned
Linebacker Azeez Ojulari: The Patriots already have started to rebuild their pass rush, but Landry is entering the latter part of his career. The 24-year-old Ojulari would be a younger option on the edge. The 2021 second-round pick out of Georgia registered six sacks and 10 quarterback hits in 11 games last season for the Giants. Zak Kuhr, whom Mike Vrabel hired as his inside linebackers coach, was on staff as a defensive assistant.
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk: The Niners released Juszczyk Tuesday after eight seasons. The soon-to-be 34-year-old Juszczyk is nearing the end of his career, but has missed just one game since 2020. Last season, he was on the field for 49.7 percent of San Francisco’s offensive snaps, catching 19 passes for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. If offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels intends on using a fullback in his offense, Juszczyk would be a solid addition. Plus, he played college football at Harvard, so he’s familiar with the New England area.
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com.Follow her @nicolecyang.
