Rams Looking to Trade Former Triple Crown Winner Cooper Kupp

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp has been informed by the Los Angeles Rams that "the team will be seeking a trade immediately," he announced on Monday via his Instagram. This unexpected news sent ripples through the NFL community, as Kupp has become synonymous with the Rams' recent success.

"I don't agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA," Kupp expressed in a heartfelt statement posted to social media. His words reflect not only his passion for the game but also his deep-rooted connection to the franchise and its fanbase. In Kupp’s statement, he emphasized that the team would be collaborating with him and his family to "find the right place to continue competing for championships." He conveyed a spirit of resilience and determination, declaring he is "highly motivated" and healthier than ever as he looks forward to preparing for the upcoming season. This sentiment is particularly poignant considering Kupp’s remarkable journey in the league.

After a record-breaking 2021 season in which he led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, Kupp secured a three-year contract extension worth a substantial $80.1 million. Remarkably, he has just completed the first season of that deal, which positioned him for a daunting cap hit of $29.8 million next season, followed by $27.3 million in 2026. While Kupp's guaranteed salary next season stands at a manageable $5 million, the financial intricacies of his contract cannot be overlooked. Notably, there is no guaranteed money for the 2026 season. This raises questions about the Rams' intentions, particularly if they opt to trade Kupp in a post-June 1 deal, which could yield significant savings of $20 million against their 2025 salary cap. On the other hand, should the Rams choose to cut ties with Kupp during the offseason, they would benefit from $15 million in cash savings, alongside $7.52 million in salary cap relief. However, if they release him without the post-June 1 designation, they face a hefty $22.2 million in dead money due to the remaining prorated portions of his signing bonus, combined with $5 million from his roster bonus—decisions that undoubtedly weigh heavily on the franchise.

Kupp has dedicated his entire eight-season career to the Rams, a journey that began in 2017 when he burst onto the scene as a 24-year-old rookie. Drafted in the third round out of Eastern Washington, he made an immediate impact with 62 receptions in his debut season, showing flashes of the talent that would soon make him a household name.

The turning point of his career came when the Rams traded for quarterback Matthew Stafford, sending Jared Goff to the Lions. This move proved transformative for Kupp, culminating in what many regard as one of the best receiving seasons in NFL history. His crowning achievement during that remarkable 2021 campaign included eight catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams' Super Bowl victory over the Bengals, a performance that not only secured the championship but also earned him the game's MVP award—a testament to his skill and poise under pressure.

Despite the challenges he has encountered since that historic season—having played only 33 games over the last three years with a peak of 812 receiving yards—we cannot overlook Kupp’s potential and drive. As the offseason unfolds, Kupp remains a player to watch, as both he and the Rams navigate the complexities of the NFL landscape in search of continued success.