Just three years ago, in 2021, star wide receiver Cooper Kupp was at the pinnacle of his career.
Kupp dominated the NFL in virtually every single receiving category, achieving the rare receiving “Triple Crown” and earning the title of Offensive Player of the Year.
His Super Bowl LVI MVP performance cemented his place as one of the NFL’s elite playmakers.
Fast forward to now, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. Injuries, the natural progression of time, and the emergence of standout rookie Puka Nacua have changed Kupp’s role within the Rams’ offense.
Now at 31-years-old, Kupp has been met with the reality that his time in Los Angeles is up as he let it be known that the Rams are planning to trade him.
“I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA,” Kupp posted on social media.
“Still, if there’s one thing that I have learned over the years: there are so many things that are out of your control, but it is how you respond to these things that you will look back on and remember.”
Kupp let it be known that the Rams “will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships.”
With a cap hit of $29.8 million for 2025, the Rams are reportedly seeking trade partners willing to absorb part of his salary while they transition into a new era.
The news sadly caught Kupp off-guard. As he mentioned, he had hoped to play his entire career in Los Angeles.
“2024 began with one of the best training camps of my career. Preparations start now for 2025. Highly motivated, as healthy as ever, and looking forward to playing elite football for years to come,” he said.
“I have taken so much pride in playing alongside my teammates for the LA community, so thank you for embracing my family and making this such a special place for us.”
Despite his recent struggles – his last 1,000-yard season came in 2021 – Kupp’s talent and experience still make him an extremely valuable asset.
The Rams reportedly attempted to trade him before last season’s deadline but found no takers. However, with general manager Les Snead now having more time to negotiate, teams in need of a reliable veteran receiver will surely come calling.
The most realistic landing spots via trade include the following teams…
–NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Kupp has often been likened to former Patriots standouts Julian Edelman and Wes Welker, making New England a fascinating potential landing spot. While the Patriots are confident in quarterback Drake Maye’s future, they must surround him with more offensive playmakers. Few players could aid Maye’s development better than a seasoned and dependable receiver like Kupp. Adding him to the roster might be just what New England needs to strengthen its offense.
-BUFFALO BILLS
Buffalo is determined to cement itself as the AFC’s top team, and acquiring Kupp could be a key step in that direction. He would serve as a reliable option for Josh Allen, particularly on critical possession downs. Kupp’s experience and playmaking ability would also be a major boost to the Bills’ young receiving group, which includes rookie Keon Coleman and 2022 third-round pick Khalil Shakir.
-DENVER BRONCOS
Despite a lack of experienced receivers beyond Courtland Sutton, Bo Nix flourished last season. In Denver, Kupp would have the opportunity to work with an ascending quarterback in Nix and thrive in Sean Payton’s pass-heavy system. His ability to make plays over the middle would be a valuable asset for Nix, who excels at extending plays outside the pocket.
-DALLAS COWBOYS
Dallas needs to bolster its receiving corps around CeeDee Lamb, especially with Brandin Cooks set to enter free agency. Adding Kupp would take pressure off Lamb while providing Dak Prescott with another proven target in the passing game. As we all know, Dallas can’t afford to keep wasting years.
-BALTIMORE RAVENS
Baltimore has never shied away from pursuing star players in free agency – just last year, the team signed Derrick Henry to a two-year deal, a move that has clearly paid off. Kupp would further strengthen an already dangerous Ravens offense featuring quarterback Lamar Jackson, wideouts Zay Jones and Rashod Bateman, and tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews.
(Other interested teams figure to include the Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders…)
What are your thoughts on the Rams’ decision to (eventually) trade Kupp? … At the end of the day, where do you think he will end up???
