In a surprising turn of events, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp announced that the team plans to trade him, despite his desire to stay. The 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year shared the news on social media, expressing disappointment over the Rams’ decision but remaining focused on the future.
Kupp Confirms the Rams’ Trade Plans
On Monday, Kupp posted on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that the Rams informed him about their intentions to seek a trade immediately.
“I was informed that the team 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,” Kupp wrote. “I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.”
Despite his frustration, Kupp remained professional, adding, “If there’s one thing I’ve 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’s Impactful Career with the Rams
Drafted in the third round out of Eastern Washington in 2017, Cooper Kupp quickly became one of the NFL’s most reliable receivers. His standout season came in 2021, when he led the league with:
- 145 receptions
- 1,947 receiving yards
- 16 touchdowns
Kupp’s incredible performance earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. He also played a key role in the Rams’ Super Bowl 56 victory, catching 8 passes for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game-winning score in the final minutes. His clutch performance earned him Super Bowl MVP honors.
However, injuries have hampered his last few seasons. Kupp has missed 18 games over the past three years, but he remains optimistic. In his post, he wrote, “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.”
Why Are the Rams Trading Kupp?
The Rams’ decision to move on from Kupp likely comes down to two key factors:
- Emergence of Puka Nacua: Since being drafted in 2023, Puka Nacua has become a rising star, recording 184 catches for 2,476 yards in just two seasons. He has quickly become the focal point of the Rams’ passing game.
- Salary Cap Concerns: Kupp is under contract through 2026, with a hefty cap hit of $29.78 million for 2024—ranking as the fifth-highest among wide receivers. Trading him would save the Rams $7.52 million in cap space, though they’d still face a $22.26 million dead cap hit if they can’t restructure a deal.
Kupp was already rumored as a trade candidate during the 2023 NFL trade deadline, but the Rams held onto him while competing for the NFC West title.
What’s Next for Cooper Kupp?
At 32 years old (turning in June), Kupp still believes he can play at an elite level. His combination of precise route-running, strong hands, and football IQ makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to strengthen its offense.
The big question is: Which team will take on Kupp’s contract?
- Teams in win-now mode with cap flexibility might see Kupp as the missing piece.
- Rebuilding teams might hesitate due to his age, injury history, and high salary.
Regardless of where he lands, Kupp’s motivation is clear: “Highly motivated, as healthy as ever, and looking forward to playing elite football for years to come.”
Cooper Kupp’s journey with the Los Angeles Rams appears to be nearing its end, not by his choice but due to the team’s business decisions. While the Rams focus on their future with young talent like Puka Nacua, Kupp remains determined to compete at the highest level elsewhere. His legacy in LA is secure, highlighted by a historic 2021 season and a Super Bowl MVP performance. Now, the NFL world waits to see where his next chapter unfolds.
