Cooper Kupp is set to play in a different uniform next season. On February 3, Kupp revealed that the Los Angeles Rams have placed him on the trading block. The team reportedly has no plans to restructure his contract to retain him, especially as Puka Nacua has emerged as their primary receiver.
Given the financial and performance considerations, the Rams appear ready to move on from their former Super Bowl MVP. Kupp’s departure marks a significant shift in the Rams’ offensive strategy, especially given his role in their Super Bowl-winning season.
Rams Weigh Financial Flexibility and Kupp’s Future Amid Trade Speculation
The decision to explore a trade for Kupp should not come as a surprise. Speculation about his availability surfaced early last season, but the talks faded when the Rams rebounded from a slow start. Kupp has two years remaining on his three-year, $80.35 million extension, with an annual average of $26.78 million.
His contract became a focal point after his historic 2021 season, where he led the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, winning the receiving triple crown. Given the team’s evolving priorities and salary cap constraints, moving Kupp makes financial sense for the Rams.
Kupp is scheduled to earn $20 million in 2025 and $19.78 million in 2026, with respective salary cap hits of $29.78 million and $27.33 million. A key financial detail is his $7.5 million roster bonus due on March 16, with $5 million of it fully guaranteed.
The Rams may need to absorb part of Kupp’s 2025 salary to facilitate a trade, a strategy they have used before to move other wide receivers. By offloading Kupp’s contract, the Rams would create long-term financial flexibility, allowing them to invest in other key areas of the roster.
Kupp’s durability has been a concern in recent years. Since his stellar 2021 season, he has missed 18 regular-season games due to ankle and hamstring injuries. His production has also dipped, averaging 67 receptions for 753 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games over the last three seasons.
A high ankle sprain cost him five games in 2024, where he managed 67 receptions, 710 yards, and six touchdowns in 12 games. Given his age and recent injury history, teams interested in Kupp may be cautious in offering significant trade compensation, further complicating the Rams’ efforts to move him.
Veteran Receiver Market Crowded, Making Kupp Trade Difficult for the Rams
The trade market for older wide receivers is competitive. Players like Keenan Allen, Brandin Cooks, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, and DeAndre Hopkins are available, while Davante Adams and Tyler Lockett could be cap casualties. Additionally, the San Francisco 49ers have granted Deebo Samuel permission to seek a trade.
With multiple veteran receivers available, finding a high-value trade partner for Kupp could be challenging. This surplus of experienced wide receivers could lower Kupp’s trade value, making it difficult for the Rams to receive a meaningful return.
The Rams have a history of absorbing salary to move receivers. They waited until Robert Woods’ $3.5 million roster bonus was due before trading him in 2022. Similarly, they covered $10.25 million of Allen Robinson’s $15.25 million guaranteed salary in 2023 to facilitate his trade to the Steelers.
Applying this approach to Kupp’s $7.5 million roster bonus could make a deal more viable. The Rams’ willingness to take on financial burdens in previous trades suggests they may adopt a similar approach to maximize trade potential for Kupp.
Rams Face Tough Decisions on Cooper Kupp’s Future Amid Cap Constraints
Teams with ample cap space, such as the New England Patriots, might be willing to take on Kupp’s full $20 million 2025 salary. However, given past trades involving aging wide receivers, the Rams should not expect more than a fourth-to-seventh-round draft pick in return.
Comparisons to recent wide receiver trades, including those of Stefon Diggs and DeAndre Hopkins, suggest that Kupp’s trade value might be lower than expected. The Rams may need to lower their expectations regarding compensation and accept a smaller return in exchange for financial relief.
If no trade materializes, the Rams may release Kupp before March 16 to avoid the last $2.5 million of his roster bonus. This move would initially result in $22.26 million of dead money but create $7.52 million in cap space. If Kupp signs elsewhere, the Rams could recover up to $5 million.
Given the current wide receiver market, there are parallels to DeAndre Hopkins’ release by the Cardinals, which led to him signing a two-year, $26 million deal with the Titans. If Kupp does not find a trade partner, he may face a similar outcome in free agency. Ultimately, whether Kupp is traded or released, his departure from the Rams signals a major shift in the team’s offensive direction and financial planning.