Rams fans were hit with some shocking news on Monday when Cooper Kupp announced on social media that Los Angeles is seeking to trade him immediately. He didn’t mince words about the decision, saying he doesn’t agree with it, making it clear that he’s “as healthy as ever” and ready to “continue competing for championships.”
While it was always a possibility the Rams would move on from Kupp this offseason after his name was floated in trade rumors three months ago, it doesn’t make this development hurt any less for those who have watched the star receiver make plays in Los Angeles since 2017.
Many have already begun thinking about where Kupp could land, but some are still stuck on one question: why?
Why trade someone who’s been a face of the franchise, a top receiver and a former Super Bowl MVP?
His contract isn’t cheap
As with most decisions like this one, it primarily comes down to money. If Kupp were on a contract worth $5 million a year, there’s little doubt the Rams would keep him. He’s worth more than $5 million just for his leadership qualities and locker room value alone.
But Kupp’s contract is paying him significantly more than that. Like, almost six times that amount.
According to Over The Cap, Kupp’s cap hit in 2025 is $29.78 million. In 2026, the final year of his deal, it’s $27.33 million. That’s $57 million total in the next two years, which is a lot of money for a 31-year-old receiver who just had one of his worst seasons in the NFL.
If the Rams can find a trade partner for Kupp, they’ll save $12.52 million in cap space, lowering his cap number from $29.78 million to $17.26 million in dead money. That’s a significant savings for any team, but especially one that likely needs to re-sign its quarterback this offseason as the Rams do.
He can’t stay healthy
Kupp’s entire career has been marred by injuries and it’s hard to see that ever changing. He’s missed at least one game in six of his eight seasons, including four seasons where he missed at least four games due to injury.
He went into the 2024 season as healthy as he’s ever been, yet he still couldn’t stay on the field. Kupp injured his ankle in Week 2 and missed four games as a result, the latest injury on an ever-growing list of ailments he’s dealt with throughout his time in the NFL. He’s had a hamstring strain, sprained ankle, torn ACL and a wrist injury over the years, so it’s not simply one type of issue that’s caused him to miss time.
Kupp says he’s “as healthy as ever,” which could be true, but there’s no guarantee he’ll remain healthy for a full season – something he hasn’t done since 2021. It’s not his fault, but it’s become the story of his career, unfortunately.
Rams need more variety at wide receiver
Sean McVay said after the Rams’ season ended that they need more versatility on offense. He wasn’t speaking specifically about Kupp, but that notion applies to him and the wide receiver position.
Puka Nacua and Kupp are similar receivers, which is what has made both of them so effective in the Rams offense. But Nacua is the new go-to receiver for Matthew Stafford, doing everything a little bit better than Kupp.
Rather than having two receivers with similar skill sets, the Rams would be wise to add some variety at the position. They need more speed and explosiveness on the outside, and with Kupp playing most of the snaps as a starting receiver, it’s hard to get other players on the field.
By trading Kupp, the Rams will open the door for more variety at wideout alongside Nacua. They can give a speedy receiver more opportunities. They can go after a bigger, more physical jump-ball specialist to complement Nacua’s skill set. They can bring in a smaller, quicker slot receiver.
Bottom line
By no means is this an easy decision for the Rams to make. Kupp has been a fan favorite and a valuable member of the locker room. His chemistry with Stafford is unmatched and the leadership he provides younger receivers like Nacua is immeasurable.
But at this point in his career, Kupp is no longer the player he was once. He’s expensive, often injured and wasn’t having the same impact as usual toward the end of the year. Trading him will hurt, but it’s what the team feels is best moving forward.
