Cooper Kupp announced some unexpected news on Tuesday when he posted on social media that the Los Angeles Rams are seeking to trade him immediately. Kupp has spent the last eight years with the Rams but with a sizable contract and a decrease in production, the team is choosing to move on from the veteran receiver.
While some may not understand the decision by the Rams, Marshall Faulk doesn’t seem terribly surprised by it. He sees an older, oft-injured receiver who’s past his prime on a team that needs to pay Puka Nacua down the line and is built around its run game.
Here’s what Faulk said about the Rams’ decision to move on from Kupp during an interview with USA TODAY on Radio Row in New Orleans.
“In this case, what they understand is football is a young man’s game and when you start missing games and you’re not available – because availability is your No. 1 ability – then you might find yourself being moved,” Faulk said. “And Cooper Kupp the last three years has missed a bunch of games. He’s been reliable and they’re deciding they have to invest money in Puka. They understand an offensive line, why it’s what they have. They have a young running back in Kyren Williams that they’re going to continue to ride and they’re OK with moving people.”
The Rams have never been afraid to move on from core players, whether it was Todd Gurley, Jared Goff, Jalen Ramsey or Robert Woods. Kupp will be the next player on that list, though his impact on the franchise has been greater than any of the four aforementioned names.
It won’t be easy to see Kupp playing elsewhere next season but Faulk understands the nature of the business, and Kupp’s time with the Rams appears to have run out.
