Cooper Kupp addresses his future with the Rams and makes it clear he wants to stay in LA pic.twitter.com/ncfDcWMAYt
— Sports Central LA (@SportsCentralLA) January 20, 2025
Kupp was the subject of frequent trade rumors when the Rams opened the season 1-4, but injuries to him and teammate Puka Nacua made it difficult for a deal to come together. By the time Kupp was healthy enough to play consistently, the Rams were back in the thick of the playoff hunt, and he was too much of an asset to risk parting with.
It wasn't that long ago that Kupp was one of the best players in the league. In 2021, he had a season for the ages, leading the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1947), and receiving touchdowns (16) on his way to taking home the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year award and even Super Bowl LVI MVP. That dominant year earned Kupp a massive three-year, $80.1 million extension ahead of the 2022 season.
Unfortunately, Kupp has seen his productivity and efficiency dwindle over three injury-riddled seasons, and Nacua has clearly surpassed him as the Rams' top wideout. Kupp has missed 18 games since his signature season, and his efficiency has plummeted even when he's available. Over his last 33 regular season appearances, he has averaged a relatively pedestrian 68.5 receiving yards per game and 7.7 yards per target.
Kupp carries a massive $29.78 million cap hit in 2025, and his current level of play simply doesn't merit that level of compensation. The Rams could save as much as $12.5 million on their cap by trading him or by designating him a post-June 1st cut.
Kupp and the Rams are in a delicate situation. They have a lot of history together, and he should have more value for the Rams than any other team in the league. A new deal that lowers Kupp's cap hits over the next two years and brings his compensation more in line with his current place on the team could be best for everyone.
Photo Credit: © Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
