The Detroit Lions are coming off their most successful season of the Super Bowl era with a remarkable 15-2 record. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to secure their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, as they were eliminated in the Divisional Round playoffs.

Now, with the departure of both their offensive and defensive coordinators, the Lions must find a way to return stronger. This may be challenging, but adding more talented players who have past playoff experience could be just what Detroit needs.

Detroit Lions could leverage Jared Goff connection to acquire Cooper Kupp

The Detroit Lions boast a star-studded receiving corps, led by two-time All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown and 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams. Having Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta certainly adds to the equation. However, there’s still room for improvement on the roster.

One area the Lions could address is their No. 3 receiver spot, which was occupied by Tim Patrick last season. With Patrick heading into free agency, the Lions will need to find a replacement for their third receiver this offseason.

As ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler recently noted, Cooper Kupp might be an ideal fit in Detroit. The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly looking to trade their former All-Pro receiver, and Kupp already has four seasons of chemistry with Jared Goff from their time together in LA.

“Among the teams being discussed for Cooper Kupp, the Pittsburgh Steelers looked into him at the trade deadline last season, and they still have a need. Washington might look for a complement to Terry McLaurin. The Patriots should at least check in on this considering their receiver situation. And here’s a surprise: Detroit Lions. Jared Goff entered the league with Cooper Kupp. That’s instant chemistry. And doesn’t this have a Kansas City Chiefs vibe to it?”

Kupp signed a three-year, $80 million contract extension with the Rams in 2022, with two seasons remaining. His cap hit for 2025 will be $29.7 million, unless a restructure occurs.

On paper, the move makes sense, especially if Kupp wants to chase another Super Bowl ring. However, the Lions will still need to compete with what’s expected to be a strong market for the former Super Bowl MVP.