The Los Angeles Rams want to trade Cooper Kupp, but they may have no choice but to release the star wide receiver. A third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Kupp immediately became one of the league’s most reliable possession receivers and took his game to an elite level when first paired with quarterback Matthew Stafford. During their first year together, the quarterback and receiver connected for 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns while winning the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, injuries limited Kupp to 12 games or fewer in the next three seasons. With his injury woes and the emergence of Puka Nacua, Kupp is now expendable. The wide receiver announced Los Angeles planned to trade him, but Kyle Dvorchak of NBC Sports believes the Rams won’t find a trade partner and could release Cooper Kupp.
“Kupp has already announced the Rams intentions to trade hm, but it remains to be seen if there will be any takers. A team trading for Kupp before March 16 – when his $7.5 million roster bonus is due – would be on the hook for $20 million in 2025…If the Rams can’t work out a deal before that date, they will likely cut their losses and send Kupp to free agency.”
REPORT: Los Angeles Rams Could Release Cooper Kupp, Not Trade Him
$20 million is a lot to pay for any non-quarterback, but it’s especially steep for a player who struggled to stay on the field for three straight years and now finds himself on the wrong side of 30. The Rams are reportedly struggling to generate interest in Kupp, and it’s easy to see why. He’s still a good player when healthy, but nobody will give up a draft pick and take on that type of financial commitment for an aging, injury-prone receiver.
With that being said, Cooper Kupp should have multiple suitors after the Rams release him. Kupp isn’t the safest bet in the world, but he’d be perfect for a one-year, prove-it deal with any of the following three teams. If he plays well, he should cash in one last time in 2026 while giving his new team a cost-effective starter for pennies on the dollar.
Possible Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers made it to the playoffs with a strong defense and opportunistic passing attack, but that wasn’t enough to take down the best of the best. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey looks like a future star, but Quentin Johnston didn’t do enough to solidify a starting job moving forward. Like McConkey, Cooper Kupp can move all around the formation and should be a perfect fit if the Rams release him. He also shouldn’t take up much cap space, which means Los Angeles could use most of their money to fix the interior offensive line and tight end position.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers spent most of 2024 trying and failing to find a reliable receiver opposite George Pickens. After narrowly missing on Brandon Aiyuk, the team settled for a washed-up Mike Williams and didn’t get much out of the former Jet. Cooper Kupp might not play a full 17 games, but he’s remained productive when on the field. No matter who the quarterback is next year, Kupp will help elevate the passing attack and hopefully help this team earn their first playoff win in almost a decade.
Baltimore Ravens
Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are a reliable starting duo, but Baltimore could use more depth. The team tried to bolster their receiving corps with the Diontae Johnson trade, but the former Panther couldn’t handle a reduced workload. Cooper Kupp can still earn targets, and putting him on the field with Flowers and Bateman will give Lamar Jackson three players capable of beating just about any coverage. While none of them are superstars, it should be more than enough for one of the game’s best quarterbacks.
Main Photo: Bill Streicher – Imagn Images
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