Sep 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

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Cooper Kupp Trade Rumors: Rams WR to find himself on the trade block again

Cooper Kupp’s trade rumors spark uncertainty about his Rams future.

Cooper Kupp is in an odd spot. After the Rams’ divisional round loss to the Eagles, Kupp made it clear that staying in Los Angeles isn’t guaranteed. “Who knows what’s going to happen,” he said. “I feel like I’ve got a lot of good football left in me. I’ll be playing football next year. That much I know.”

Two years left on his contract doesn’t mean much in today’s NFL. Teams have been ruthless in cutting ties with veterans to make room for younger stars or ease their cap issues. Kupp’s name floated around the trade block earlier this season during the Rams’ ugly 1-4 start. Now? It feels like those talks might come back, especially with rookie Puka Nacua thriving and the Rams needing cash for a rebuild.

Frustration simmered all season

This year was not kind to Kupp. He missed time early with an ankle injury and never quite reclaimed his spot as the Rams’ top target. Sure, he put up 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games, but those aren’t Kupp numbers. Not for a guy who pulled off the triple crown in 2021 and carried the Rams to a Super Bowl win.

Rams WR Cooper Kupp is a trade candidate this offseason.

Kupp, who was heavily featured in trade rumors before November’s deadline, said he’d “love” to stay in Los Angeles, but is unsure of his future with the team.

Kupp is entering the 2nd year of his 3-year/$80.1M deal. pic.twitter.com/0k7IQcQJTB
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) January 21, 2025

Watching rookie Puka Nacua take over as the go-to guy couldn’t have been easy. Kupp himself admitted that this season felt off. “There’s all these things you’re weathering through offensively…and the points just aren’t showing up,” he said.

His frustration wasn’t just about team performance—it was personal. “I’m watching the film, feeling good about football…but production-wise, it’s not showing up,” Kupp explained.

Did the Rams already try to trade him?

Let’s not pretend this is new. Trade whispers around Kupp started midseason when the Rams looked like they were crashing. According to Jordan Schultz on The Herd, the Rams would’ve gone into sell mode if they’d lost to the Vikings in Week 8. Kupp’s name came up in talks with the Chiefs before they signed DeAndre Hopkins.

It’s a bit wild that the Rams didn’t move him then. The 31-year-old has value, even with injuries piling up over the years. Cutting or trading him could clear some cap space—$7.52 million, to be exact, if he’s a pre-June 1 cut in 2025.

Kupp still believes in himself, but is that enough?

This isn’t a washed-up veteran we’re talking about. Kupp knows he’s still got it. “There’s no doubt in my mind,” he said. “I feel like I have a lot of good football left in me.”

Thankful to live in a place where failure and success go hand in hand.

It’s not everyone that gets to experience each of these things on a daily basis, but the resilience built and lessons learned are a blessing. The most valuable being this: you’ll never regret the outcome as… pic.twitter.com/uS0xJK2F3M
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) January 22, 2025

He’s right. Even in a “down” year, Kupp showed flashes of brilliance. And let’s not forget his historic 2021 season: 145 catches, 1,947 yards, 16 touchdowns, Offensive Player of the Year, and Super Bowl MVP.

But here’s the catch—NFL teams aren’t sentimental. They’ll see the injuries, the drop in production, and the fact that Nacua is younger, cheaper, and thriving.

Rams need to decide: rebuild or hold on

This offseason will show the Rams’ hand. If they move Kupp, it’s clear they’re leaning into a rebuild. If they keep him, they’re betting on one more shot with veterans like Matthew Stafford, who’s also facing an uncertain future.

Stafford, for his part, didn’t commit to anything after the Eagles loss. “As far as my future goes, it’s 30 minutes after the last game,” he said. “But I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball.”

The Rams have tough calls to make. Kupp wants to stay in L.A., but it might not be his choice. This team has big decisions ahead, and no one—veterans included—is safe.

(image: imagn images)

Cooper Kupp

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
Got into sports media the same way most people do: by (fortunate) accident. Started with SEO writing, took on a few sports gigs, and now here we are! I cover games, trades, player drama—whatever needs words.
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