Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is definitively on the trade block. The source? Cooper Kupp himself. The Rams have informed the wideout that they’re “seeking a trade immediately,” Kupp announced tonight.
“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 championship,” Kupp wrote on X. “I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.
“Still, if there’s one thing that I have 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.
“I have taken so much pride in playing alongside my teammates for the LA community, so thank you for embracing my family and making this such a special place for us.”
While it’s a bit jarring that the Rams are looking to move on from a franchise icon, it’s not completely unfounded. The receiver has clearly been leaped by Puka Nacua on the depth chart, and considering Kupp’s age and contract, there was some belief that he could be playing elsewhere in 2025. Kupp himself acknowledged this after the 2024 campaign when he admitted that he may have played his final game in a Rams uniform.
This also isn’t the first time Kupp has been on the trade block. The organization confirmed that they received calls on Kupp leading up to the trade deadline, and a separate report suggested it was actually the Rams front office that was looking to sell. The team ended up hanging on to the WR for the stretch run when they couldn’t find a squad willing to meet their asking price, which was reportedly compensation that exceeded what the Raiders received for Davante Adams (a conditional third-round pick).
A former third-round pick, Kupp has spent his entire career with the Rams organization. His 2021 campaign is still one of the most prolific seasons by a wide receiver in NFL history. Kupp finished that season with 1,965 yards from scrimmage, the most by a wide receiver in a single season. For his efforts, Kupp earned Offensive Player of the Year honors, and he followed that up with a postseason where he hauled in a record 33 receptions in four games and earned Super Bowl MVP.
Since then, Kupp hasn’t been able to put together a full season, as he’s missed 18 regular season games over the past three years. After finishing with 90.2 yards per game in 2022, Kupp has averaged only 60.3 yards per game between 2023 and 2024 while taking a backseat to Nacua. Kupp’s 2024 campaign was one of the least-productive seasons of his career, as he finished with 67 catches for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games.
Still, considering his resume, Kupp should still be relatively attractive to WR-needy teams. Plus, he doesn’t completely break the bank. While his $29.78MM cap number in 2025 could be untenable, he’s only due $20MM total next season (via a $7.5MM roster bonus due in March and a $12.5MM base salary). A trade suitor would also be on the hook for his $19.85MM in salary commitments for the 2026 season. Only $5MM of his base salary is guaranteed for next season, so if the Rams are unable to find a trade partner over the next month, there’s a chance they just cut the veteran before the roster bonus is triggered.
Still, it’s unlikely it gets that far, as interested teams could always renegotiate with their trade acquisition. When Kupp was on the block earlier this season, the Chiefs, Bills and Steelers were mentioned as teams that discussed a trade with the Rams. Each of those teams ended up pivoting elsewhere, with Kansas City (DeAndre Hopkins), Buffalo (Amari Cooper), and Pittsburgh (Mike Williams) all making moves to shore up their WR corps. Still, there’s a chance any of those squads come crawling back, and new suitors could surely emerge as the offseason plays out.
Working in the Rams’ favor is a relatively uninspiring free agent market at the position. Tee Higgins will be the most coveted name, but the rest of the group consists of veterans coming off injuries (like Chris Godwin and Stefon Diggs) and veterans who underwhelmed in new spots (like Hopkins and Cooper). If a team is looking to make a big-name splash at the position, Kupp would surely check that box.
Say it ain’t so.
Has to be Steelers
Unless the Rams send Kupp and draft capital to the Bengals for Higgins.
Tag and trade.
I thought the whole point for the Rams would be moving money outside the WR room
Puka is their guy, they have a lot of other needs across the roster
Goku- My point is made. Higgins is a good number 2, not a one. Puka is primary, Higgins is secondary.
Steelers fans get all hot and bothered by possibilities. Tee Higgins! Cooper Kupp!
First off, Madden is right. This is a cheap organization. Then add in a bland, unimaginative playbook, a subpar O-line, one QB who holds onto the ball too long and has tunnel vision, another who’s just inaccurate with throws…..I mean, really?
Can you rephrase the question?
I honestly can’t interpret any of that.
My point was that both Cinci and LAR don’t need to spend big on a WR2
Especially Cinci has holes all over the place
Revamping the defense is not “holes all over”.
Lou Anaramo tended to get to cute with his defense, and the last 2 years the offensive coordinators had him figured out. Golden is bringing in fresh ideas (we hope) and there are a few pretty decent guys on defense who I believe quit on Lou because of he stuck with the same old stuff when it obviously wasn’t working anymore.
NE on line 1
Wish, stop…..Kupp can be done. We need young blood.
Agreed. Wouldn’t hurt to have a veteran guy in that room tho. He’s a slot/3wr at best now
Broncos, chargers, Steelers, patriots would be all lined up. I think a 4th or 5th seals the deal for him.
Steelera for a 3rd
and they can even have Van Jefferson back
A third huh?
I mean obviously I’m not the GM (spoiler alert)
But there is no competitive team more desperate for a competent receiver than the Steelers.
Everything should be on the table to get this Kupp deal done.
They have all downfield targets and never replaced Dionte underneath.
Kupp would fit like a glove , and allow them to trade Pickens without batting an eye
(even tho I prefer to keep that beast)
I doubt he returns that little in trade.
If teams are offering a 4th , I’d def give up a 3rd to have him in black and gold on March 12th
While they need an adult in the room I’d hate to give up a day 1 or 2 pick for him. 4th I’m good. I just don’t see him putting the Steelers over the top on offense. Beside WR they need CB, NB, RB and maybe 2 D line.
They have absolutely no one to throw to underneath
DLine round 1
RB round 2
Kupp for round 3
Extra DLine or WR round 4
I’m not as worried about the corners. They’re paying starters there
The problem is, Goku, they have so many needs that the desperation can be spread around.
Who plays QB?
What happens with the o- line?
Need a RB
Pickens is a head case.
D-line is a mess
Secondary is porous
Just where do they begin?
The defense as a whole was fine over the course of the season. Collapse was not specific to them, and the return of the 3-n-out offensive scheme was a main culprit.
Room for improvement? Absolutely, especially on the Dline
They need a go-to WR, BADLY
Trading for Kupp allows them to draft DLine round 1 instead of WR
RB is a need, but can find a starter between r2-r4 in any given draft
At QB Justin Fields return is a lock. Shouldn’t even question any other scenario. Justin and Mike have a handshake agreement.
Infact Steelers just inquired on his market value to determine a fair deal.
This is a case where they’ll likely work out a 2-year deal, and draft a QB in 2026 if Fields fails dramatically
The plan was always to partially use Fields behind Wilson, but to primarily get him ready for starting next year.
I’d be shocked if Fields is not the Steelers starter heading into camp
The defense is extremely overpaid, Goku, and extremely overrated. Cam is their only D-lineman. Queen looks like he was an overpay. Porter is beyond overrated. They have Minkah playing centerfield.
Those last 5 games weren’t anomalies. They got pushed around. Manhandled.
They’re nowhere near being a contender
I can’t see them throwing money at Wilson but I have mixed emotions about either guy being the answer. Like you, I say they might as well go with youth.
To me, their problems begin with stale, antiquated coaching. But hey, why complain?
I think drafting a bullish interior Dliner round 1 solves a lot.
Steelers secondary has never been amazing overall, and is dependent on pass rush success. Clogging up the gaps to allow the linebackers to do their thing will do wonders.
But if they don’t address WR, there’s no hope at all.
And if they don’t get someone like Kupp or Higgins, they risk another Roman Wilson situation if they don’t go WR Round 1.
Sure they’ve had success in mid-rounds with AB, Dionte, and Emmanuel Sanders, but keep in mind that none of them contributed much of anything their rookie seasons.
There’s a twin problem of stubbornness and frugality with this team
They tend to stick by decisions way too long and then refuse to spend the money to solve their problems
Their recent drafts have produced disappointments. Little help at all
But being stuck in the middle is like the oblivion express of drafting. Yes, sometimes they get the diamond in the rough. But recently, no such luck
They’ve invested heavily in a few guys that, given where they are, should probably be traded for both high draft picks and cap space. I know it’s not popular to say “blow up the roster” but with a team going nowhere, it makes sense.
Oddly enough, there is really no one here I would call “off limits” where trades are concerned
Nah.
Jordan Whittington …. COME ON DOWN
Packers maybe? That’d be interesting
Bills or Colts make more sense but packers would be a huge one especially with all their star WRs mostly on rookie deals
Unlikely the Bills will sink that much in another aging WR when the defense needs a lot of attention this offseason.
No thanks. I’m a fan, but not at that salary. I’d want him as a FA at 2 years/ 10 mill, per , 13 guaranteed. Assuming he’s tip top and healthy. Basically, get out of him what you hoped for out of Amari. He looked great for them down the stretch. Looked like he has a lot left.
That said… I’m not suggesting, I’m sure there are a million reasons it doesn’t make any sense. Just putting my 2k hat on.
Nah, Colts already have an overpaid WR who is limited to the slot.
No way. He’s way way too injury prone
32 next season and struggles staying healthy. Oof.
Alex Highsmith for Kupp, who says no?
Steelers. Kupp is good, but he’s on the back side of his prime. Highsmith is killing it and not just because Watt gets so much attention.
Steelers. For the first time in years they are heading into an offseason where they don’t need help at MLB or OLB/edge. Why screw with it? I was thinking Herbig instead of Highsmith. But came back to then they need to find a 3 OLB.
I wouldn’t do it because I don’t think Kupp is the right guy, but the Steelers should shop Highsmith to fill another need and start Herbig at a lesser price. Draft another developmental OLB to replace Herbig’s backup role.
My top Landing spots for Kupp then:
1. Bills
2. Commanders
3. Steelers
4. Falcons
5. Raiders
6. Titans
7. Eagles
8. Colts
Move the Steelers to the top and drop Buffalo off the list.
Buffalo needs a WR threat
They do, but they have to spend the money elsewhere. They gotta bring back Hollins, Cooper if he comes back cheap, and invest a fourth rounder in a guy hoping you strike gold. Beyond this, you’re running back the exact same offense give or take some other picks that come in. Late rounders.
Every single other asset available MUST be sunk into the defense. 1st and both 2nd rounders, the FA dollars, any trades… every bit must be used to improve this defense.
What Buffalo should do is sink their FA dollars into defense like you suggested… then draft BPA like the teams who are consistently good do. But here’s to hoping they forgo drafting superior offensive prospects to take defensive ones.
You speak as though it’s black and white. Right way, wrong way, blah blah. Both things can obviously be true at once. Of course you are ALWAYS targeting BPA, but you have to have clearly defined strategy and a disciplined approach.
You cannot just sit there and say, “well even though I have two stud T’s I’m going to take this beast over here before I take this CB who maybe I have rated a little lower and at a position where I might not have a single starter returning.”
Nonsense. Unless the BPA is significantly better than the position of need, you have to address the position of need. You can’t cobble together a defense with street free agents, especially when you have significant salary cap challenges.
This is what I’m responding to: “Every single other asset available MUST be sunk into the defense. 1st and both 2nd rounders, the FA dollars, any trades…”
Obviously if the prospects are close, take the defensive guy, but taking a defensive player for the sake of taking a defensive player because they MUST would be horrid management. Drafting obviously is not black and white–Buffalo isn’t taking a QB if he’s BPA–but they should not settle on taking a defensive player just because they need one. If Burden falls to them somehow, they should not pass him up if they’ve given him a 9.5 grade and they’ve given the next best prospect a 9.1.
I’m hyperbolic… very declaratory. But ultimately eminently reasonable.
Fair enough. It didn’t come off as hyperbolic based on the way it was stated–probably because so many people legitimately hold those type of beliefs–but I believe you.
I’d move Raiders off this list. They already have their version of Kupp in Jakobi Meyers.
Meyers needs help raiders lack depth wideouts. Kupp would add a lot of spice
Bills can strike gold on day 3 I agree but Kupp is also a proven threat when healthy.
You know a guy is desirable when Sentinel lists eight teams instead of three.
lol
Eagles ain’t trading for an old, expensive WR.
Commanders would be nice!
We’ll take him in New England. A little veteran leadership in the WR room would be nice. Also, he could miss half the season and still be the most productive receiver they have.
NE is an interesting team to keep an eye on since they appear to have a QB of the future but the team overall is bad. Will be want to go there and be part of the rebuild? TBD.
Would he have a choice? He’d have to know he’d at least be respected and valued. Granted, it would take more than that for him to stick around, but it’s a better situation than some of the other teams interested could offer.
It appears so, yes. The Rams said they’re working with Kupp to facilitate a trade to a destination he approves of.
Conditional fourth rounder probably gets it done
Chiefs, catching balls from Mahomes.
Wish Seahawks could do something but not really possible. Pride of Yakima WA!
Redundant with JSN
Point was getting back into washington…why I said not really possible.
Texans new OC is Cupp’s boy. 5th round draft pick – done.
Often injured I don’t them getting much. Puka took his spot and never looked back, didn’t seem like Kupp could adapt to being the 2nd option.
Such great chemistry with Stafford at one time. Too bad he cant stay healthy. At least the Rams gave Philly a better game than the Commanders.
The Commies were playing to win. And they took risks and had their shots to get back in the game. The problem was that every time they were about to get within a touchdown, there was another turnover. Even the almost catch by Terry McLaurin in the end zone which turned into an interception, three times out of five McLaurin comes up with the ball there.
Dirty Birds played a heck of a game. When Hurts nerves don’t get to him, with that offensive line, Barkley, AJ Brown, it’s an offensive juggernaut. The Eagles don’t match up as well to a team with strong defensive ends, which is not the Commies. Commies take over in Washington when the opposing team has a run-of-the-mill offensive line.
It’s time for Kupp to come back to his roots…Washington State.
Being a slot only wr will limit his market somewhat as will his injuries.
If I were him, I’d run the numbers to find the team with the least number of injuries the past 5 years. Probably mostly luck, but with his history it can’t hurt to give it a try
He’s had two and a half good seasons and is paid like he’s a perennial all-pro.
He’s going to the Texans. With Dell out most if not all of next season and Diggs uncertain return timeline they are going to need at least a stop gap receiver.
Kupp to Detroit makes too much sense. Brad Holmes is the one who scouted him and uncovered a diamond in the rough. Jared Goff was his roommate and teammate early in their careers.