Cooper Kupp, the former Super Bowl MVP, recently stirred the NFL waters by hinting that the Los Angeles Rams have been open to trading him this offseason. But dealing a player of Kupp’s caliber isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
Kupp’s journey post his stellar season, where he clinched the NFL’s receiving triple crown and was named the Offensive Player of the Year, has been marred by injuries. Over the last three seasons, he’s missed 18 regular-season games, which might give potential suitors pause. Additionally, financial considerations add another layer of complexity. Kupp is slated to receive a $7.5 million roster bonus and a $12.5 million salary in 2025. Such numbers might cause teams to balk, especially for a player who hasn’t breached 850 receiving yards in a season since 2021. The Rams might need to absorb part of Kupp’s future earnings or consider releasing him to make a trade palatable.
Despite these hurdles, interest in the talented wideout is only expected to escalate as the offseason progresses. Whether through a trade or as a prospective free agent, Kupp’s potential market is beginning to take shape. Let’s dive into the teams that could be eyeing Kupp, either via trade or should he hit free agency.
Denver Broncos
A marriage between the Broncos and Kupp might seem unlikely at first glance. Head coach Sean Payton typically gravitates towards players that can fill specific “Joker” roles—those versatile enough to create defensive mismatches, be it from the backfield or at tight end. However, the scarcity of veteran playmakers in the free-agent pool might nudge Denver to reassess its stance.
The Broncos are in a crucial phase, especially with quarterback Bo Nix heading into his sophomore NFL season. Establishing a reliable receiving corps could be key to ensuring Nix’s development doesn’t stall. Kupp, known for his ability to find openings in the intermediate routes, could be precisely the kind of consistent target Nix needs to elevate Denver’s passing attack. While it may not align perfectly with Payton’s usual blueprint, the prospect of adding Kupp’s polished route-running to their roster could be too enticing to ignore.
