Cooper Kupp has put the Los Angeles Rams’ intentions in the spotlight, hinting that the team had plans to trade him this offseason. However, moving the former Super Bowl MVP might not be a straightforward task.
Kupp, who lit up the NFL with a triple crown performance and snagged the league’s Offensive Player of the Year honor, has been sidelined by injuries, forcing him to miss 18 regular-season games over the last three seasons. Toss in the financial complexities—he’s set to pocket a $7.5 million roster bonus and $12.5 million in salary come 2025—and it’s clear why potential suitors might hesitate. Teams looking at Kupp will weigh his past production against future risks, especially considering he hasn’t topped 850 receiving yards since 2021. The Rams, facing financial challenges, might need to swallow part of his salary or even consider releasing him to spark interest.
Despite these hurdles, there’s likely to be a lively market for the skilled receiver in the coming weeks.
Let’s take a look at six teams that might find Kupp to be a good fit, whether through a trade or as a free agent if he gets released.
Chicago Bears
Although the Bears aren’t just a single move away from commanding the NFC North, Kupp could still be an intriguing option for them. With close to $63 million in cap space, they stand sixth in the league, providing plenty of financial flexibility. After the gamble on Keenan Allen didn’t pan out as hoped, adding a reliable target like Kupp could serve as a stabilizing presence for Caleb Williams. As Williams adapts to new coach Ben Johnson’s system, having a dependable receiver could be key to keeping the QB on schedule and aiding his development.
