Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is confident that he will play football next season, but he is unsure if it will be with the Rams. Despite having two years left on his contract, Kupp acknowledges that his future in Los Angeles is out of his control.
Kupp’s Uncertain Future with the Rams
Kupp addressed the uncertainty surrounding his status with the Rams, stating that while he would love to stay in Los Angeles, he does not know what the future holds. His name was mentioned in trade rumors ahead of the NFL trade deadline, though head coach Sean McVay dismissed the speculation at the time.
If the Rams decide to cut Kupp before June 1, 2025, they would save $7.52 million against the salary cap. However, his contract still has two years remaining, leaving the team’s decision unclear.
Injury Challenges and Recent Performance
Kupp has battled multiple injuries over the past few seasons, which has affected his performance. This season, he missed four games after suffering an ankle injury in Week 2 and was inactive in Week 18 as the Rams rested key players.
In the 2023 season, Kupp recorded:
- 67 receptions
- 710 receiving yards
- 6 touchdowns in 12 games
While these numbers are solid, they are far from his incredible 2021 season, where he dominated the league with:
- 145 receptions
- 1,947 receiving yards
- 16 touchdowns
His standout performance earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, and he was named Super Bowl 56 MVP after leading the Rams to victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Kupp Believes He Has More to Give
Despite recent injury struggles, Kupp remains confident that he still has plenty of good football left in him.
“Oh, yeah. There’s no doubt in my mind. I want to play football,” Kupp said. “I feel like I have a lot of good football left in me. I will be playing football next year. That much I know.”
His statement makes it clear that he is determined to continue his career, whether it’s with the Rams or another team.
Matthew Stafford Also Facing Uncertainty
Kupp’s close friend and teammate, quarterback Matthew Stafford, is also uncertain about his future in Los Angeles. The 36-year-old restructured his contract last offseason, which now runs through the 2026 season.
Following the Rams’ 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs, Stafford was non-committal about his future.
“As far as my future goes, it’s 30 minutes after the last game, so I’ll take some time to think about it,” Stafford said.
When asked if he still had good football left in him, Stafford responded with confidence:
“It sure feels like it.”
What’s Next for Kupp and the Rams?
The Rams now face key decisions regarding their roster. With Kupp’s injury history and contract situation, the team must decide if he remains part of their future plans. If they move on from him, they could free up cap space, but losing a player of his caliber would be a significant change for the franchise.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Rams’ front office to see whether Kupp and Stafford will return in 2024 or if the team decides to make major changes.
