NFL Rumors: Rams Didn't Ask Cooper Kupp to Restructure Contract Before Trade Reveal
Joseph Zucker
Feb 17, 2025
The Los Angeles Rams didn't approach wide receiver Cooper Kupp about restructuring his contract before signaling their intention to move on from him this offseason, according to The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue.
Kupp said on Feb. 3 the Rams told him they'd be "seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships."
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 championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.
In light of the new information presented by Rodrigue, it sounds like this wasn't a matter of Los Angeles wanting to keep the 2021 All-Pro at a friendlier rate. The franchise is simply ready to focus its efforts elsewhere at wideout.
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That shouldn't come as a huge shock considering Kupp's age (31) and the extent to which he has been limited by injuries in recent years. He has missed 18 games since the start of the 2022 season.
Puka Nacua's emergence has also lessened the Rams' reliance on Kupp. They already have his long-term successor on the roster.
The only question is whether a trade suitor steps up to the plate or the Rams have to cut Kupp outright.
The former scenario would be far better for L.A.
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The team would save $12.5 million and have a dead money hit of $17.3 million by trading him before June 1, per Spotrac. Designating him as a post-June 1 release, meanwhile, would create $15 million in savings but spread the dead cap hit across 2025 ($14.8 million) and 2026 ($7.5 million).
By having the organizational stance on Kupp out in the open, Rams general manager Les Snead may have trouble finding a worthwhile trade. Interested teams could choose instead to wait for the veteran pass-catcher to get cut.
Rams Rumors: McVay 'Really Likes' Jimmy Garoppolo amid Matthew Stafford Trade Buzz
Zach Bachar
Feb 17, 2025
With Matthew Stafford's future with the Los Angeles Rams in question, head coach Sean McVay reportedly has an affinity for backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, McVay "really likes" Garoppolo due to the veteran passer's "amiability, work ethic and understanding of the offense."
Rodrigue noted that if Los Angeles turned to Garoppolo, he'd be viewed as a "bridge" to the team's next franchise quarterback.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday that the Rams have a "strong interest" in bringing back Stafford on a restructured contract, but he'll also have a "strong trade market" if both sides can't reach an agreement.
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Stafford has a $49.7 million cap hit for the 2025 season and a $53.7 million cap hit in 2026, via Spotrac.
The 33-year-old doesn't have any Pro Bowl selections under his belt, but he's shown that he can operate as the starting quarterback on a playoff team.
In 64 career starts, Garoppolo owns a 43-21 record.
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McVay has a "preference" for veteran experience under center, per Rodrigue.
It's easy to see why he may not trust a rookie quarterback to immediately contribute on a team that has made playoff appearances in four of the past five seasons, including a Super Bowl LVI victory.
If the Rams decide to explore deals involving Stafford, Garoppolo could be McVay's pick to replace him.
NFL Trade Rumors: Matthew Stafford, Rams Met Before Super Bowl; 'Not Much Progressed'
Joseph Zucker
Feb 17, 2025
The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford have discussed a new contract, but "not much progressed after their opening conversations," according to The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue.
"If there is a difference between Stafford and the Rams, it would likely be this: The Rams don’t want to make a significant financial commitment to a veteran quarterback whose long-term future or durability they can’t be certain about, and a youthful roster built through the draft is now their core identity," Rodrigue said.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday on SportsCenter the Rams possess a "strong interest" in keeping Stafford but that his current contract is "untenable" for the team.
"He's going to need a new deal and if for some reason they can't work that out, there will be a strong trade market for Matthew Stafford," Fowler said. "It will be robust."
Rodrigue laid out the dilemma for the franchise.
Los Angeles has won 10 games and made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Over that stretch, Stafford has averaged 249.3 passing yards per game and thrown 44 touchdowns to 19 interceptions.
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Trading the two-time Pro Bowler would likely mean downgrading at quarterback and lowering the odds of a third straight trip to the postseason.
But Stafford also has a $49.7 million salary cap hit for 2025 and will count for $53.7 million in 2026. That's a sizable financial commitment, and there's some risk in extending his contract further when he's 37 and will presumably want a bump on his current $40 million average payout.
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Running back Kyren Williams is entering the last year of his rookie contract. Wide receiver Puka Nacua and defensive lineman Kobie Turner are eligible for free agency in 2027. Keeping a promising young roster together will become a costly endeavor for general manager Les Snead within the next few years.
If push comes to shove, it might make more sense to move on from Stafford now in order to widen the Rams' long-term window for contention.
Cooper Kupp Trade Rumors: Market 'Complicated' for Rams WR Ahead of NFL Free Agency
Feb 9, 2025
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 11: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams runs a route during an NFL Football game against the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium on November 11, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
There are reportedly many factors that figure to shape the trade market for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Kupp's market is "complicated" because of his age, injury history and contract.
Kupp, who will turn 32 in June, announced last week on X that the Rams informed him they intend to trade him during the offseason:
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 championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.
Originally a third-round pick out of Eastern Washington in 2017, Kupp has spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Rams, and he ranks third in franchise history in receptions (634), fourth in receiving yardage (7,776) and third in receiving touchdowns (57).
Kupp is best remembered for his legendary 2021 season when he was named Offensive Player of the Year and won the receiving Triple Crown with 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He topped off arguably the greatest season by a wideout in NFL history by winning Super Bowl MVP honors in the Rams' Super Bowl win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
However, since then, Kupp has missed a total of 18 games over the past three seasons due to injury, and he has averaged 67 catches for 753 yards and six touchdowns per year.
Had he stayed healthy, Kupp likely would have eclipsed 1,000 yards or at least come close to it in each season, but durability is undoubtedly a concern considering his advancing age.
Also worth considering is the fact that Kupp is signed for two more seasons at a salary cap hit of $29.78 million in 2025 and $27.33 million in 2026.
Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, $15 million of the $20 million Kupp is due in 2025 is guaranteed via a roster bonus as well.
Despite the numerous concerns, Russini reported that the Rams have already received calls on Kupp and things could move quickly with a deal likely to be struck at some point before March 14.
Fowler reported that the Rams are expected to eat at least some of Kupp's contract, which could make him easier to move and improve the draft capital L.A. can get in return.
For all the risks that come along with Kupp, he remains one of the best route runners and more sure-handed receivers in the game, and he could be a true difference-maker for any team that acquires him if he is able to largely stay healthy in 2025.
NFL Rumors: Matthew Stafford Feels Good After Injuries, 'Rams Would Welcome Him Back'
Feb 9, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the first half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
All signs are reportedly pointing toward Matthew Stafford still being under center for the Los Angeles Rams during the 2025 season.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that the 37-year-old "intends to play … with his arm and body feeling good after a solid season that saw him lead the Rams to the playoffs."
What's more, "the Rams would welcome him back."
However, the contract may be something both sides have to work through before he takes the field.
Pelissero and Rapoport explained it is "unlikely that Stafford would play for just $27 million in 2025 after playing for $40 million last year." They also noted the veteran is expected to be "reasonable," though, during potential negotiations.
It comes as no surprise that Los Angeles wants him back, as it has enjoyed three playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title in Stafford's four years as the starting quarterback. The 2022 season was the only time it didn't make the playoffs during that tenure, and that was the year injuries limited Stafford to just nine games.
The 2023 Pro Bowler was solid again this past season as he went 10-6 as a starter while completing 65.8 percent of his passes for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Everything likely won't look the same for Stafford in 2025 if and when he does return, as one of his most reliable targets in Los Angeles could be on the way out. After all,Cooper Kupp took to social media Monday and revealed the Rams are looking to trade him this offseason even though he doesn't "agree with the decision."
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 championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.
Such a move would put more on Puka Nacua's shoulders as the No. 1 option in the aerial attack next season.
At least it appears Nacua will have some continuity at quarterback with Stafford set to return.
Cooper Kupp Trade Rumors: Patriots, Steelers, More Named as Landing Spots by Insiders
Feb 8, 2025
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Wide receiver Cooper Kupp #10 of the LA Rams runs a route from the line of scrimmage during the first half of the Minnesota Vikings versus Los Angeles Rams NFL Wild Card football game at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Bruce Yeung/Getty Images)
Multiple teams are reportedly expected to have interest in a trade for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason.
Kupp revealed earlier this week in a post on X that the Rams informed him they intend to trade him:
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 championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, NFL executives believe Kupp will have a trade market due to the fact that he is quarterback-friendly, can make contested catches and is known as a hard worker.
An AFC executive said the New England Patriots would be "foolish" to not look into a trade for Kupp. It was also noted that the Pittsburgh Steelers looked into Kupp's availability at the trade deadline this season, so they could be a potential landing spot as well.
Fowler also floated the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders and Kansas City Chiefs as teams that would be fits for Kupp.
This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.
NFL Rumors: Matthew Stafford 'Likely' to Return to Rams for 2025 Season
Feb 8, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the first half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
It looks like Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has some unfinished business in the NFL.
Dan Graziano of ESPN reported that the 37-year-old is "likely to return to L.A. in 2025" and that the team is going to look for ways to lower Stafford's cap hit:
The past two seasons have been good for Stafford, who turned 37 on Friday and believes the Rams' leadership gives them the ability to contend every year. Something will have to be done with Stafford's contract, though, as was the case last offseason when the Rams slid $5 million of his 2025 money into 2024 and guaranteed him $40 million. Of that $40 million in guarantees, $4 million comes in the form of a 2025 roster bonus due next month. The rest of his 2025 compensation is a non-guaranteed $23 million. His current cap hit for 2025 is roughly $50 million, so look for the team to convert salary into bonuses again to lower the hit and move Stafford's 2025 compensation into a range more befitting of a good starting NFL quarterback.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN added that the Rams aren't "overly concerned" about the chances of Stafford departing for another team despite the issue of his contract and that the quarterback was "happy with the direction of the offense:"
Last summer's negotiation wasn't easy, and this year's could be even more difficult, considering his status as a top-shelf QB in a league starved for them. Stafford ranked 12th in QBR in 2024 (64.7).By all accounts, Stafford was happy with the direction of the offense this season, and multiple people with the team say it doesn't seem as if changes are coming. But other teams will inevitably call the Rams to gauge trade interest anyway. Stafford will be the top quarterback available if Los Angeles entertains the idea of moving him.
This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.
Jared Verse Wins 2024-25 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award over DeJean, Mitchell
Feb 7, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Jared Verse #8 and Byron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrate after a play during the NFC Divisional playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Rams 28-22. (Kara Durrette/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse entered pretty strong company as he was named the Associated Press' Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2024 NFL season.
Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press released the vote totals, which showed Verse winning by a large margin over four finalists: Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, teammate Braden Fiske and Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson.
Verse's modest sack total (4.5) doesn't tell the full story of how much he disrupted opposing quarterbacks all year. He finished with 66 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss. Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site noted he was first among rookies in QB hits (18), pressures (77) and hurries (56).
The playoffs couldn't have been a better showcase for the No. 19 overall pick. In Los Angeles' 27-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings, he returned a fumble 57 yards for a touchdown. Then in the NFC divisional round against the Philadelphia Eagles, he sacked Jalen Hurts twice in a losing effort.
Jared Verse reached a top speed of 19.88 mph, the fastest speed reached by a 260+ pound ball carrier over the last seven seasons (since 2018).
Nobody is truly comparing the two, but Verse's ROY nod is likely to make the parallels with Donald even stronger. You can't blame fans for watching the rookie bowl over offensive linemen and seeing shades of the legendary defensive tackle.
Verse is a sign of how deftly general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay have managed the inevitable transition away from the all-in approach that led to a Super Bowl title in 2021.
After the Rams won five games in 2022, fans quickly came to realize how the roster was getting older and that a series of trades left the draft cupboard pretty bare. But some shrewd drafting by Snead and great coaching by McVay meant L.A. quickly returned to contender status. Grabbing Verse in the middle of the first round was one such example of Snead's acumen.
Verse has set a high bar for himself in 2025. Having won Rookie of the Year and become a Pro Bowler, hitting double digits in sacks and making an All-Pro team might be near the top of his individual checklist.
Matthew Stafford's Wife Kelly Rips Cooper Kupp Trade Plans amid Rumors on QB's Future
Feb 6, 2025
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks with Cooper Kupp #10 during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Kelly Stafford, the wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, does not believe trading star wideout Cooper Kupp is in her husband or his team's best interests.
"My husband wants to win. He's not trying to put his team in a bad situation," Kelly Stafford said on her podcastThe Morning After.
She continued: "I will say the trading away of Cooper, I guess I'm just a little, I'm confused. Because we were one play away from going to the NFC Championship, and I think if we go, we win."
Kelly Stafford: “My husband wants to win. … Trading away a Cooper Kupp? I’m confused because we were one play away from going to the NFC Championship. I have to be the dog in this situation—I want the respect for him that he deserves. I love the city of L.A. With that being said… pic.twitter.com/SJzDB78ww2
Kupp said in a Monday post on X that the Rams planned to trade him "immediately."
"I don't agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA," Kupp wrote.
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 championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.
Stafford and Kupp have played four seasons together. The duo led the Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI after the 2021 season.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported last week that Stafford plans to return to the Rams in 2025, although Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported days later that Stafford could be available this offseason.
Kelly Stafford mentioned the trade rumors surrounding her husband on the podcast:
Right now, if the Rams decided that they wanted to trade him, or Matthew decided he didn't want to play for the Rams, I'm good. I would move my family. Yeah, that might be tough. First month, hard. After that, turns out, I like my kids to learn how to be resilient.
The ball's really not in our court in that. But I value being respected and wanted over convenience. So it would be very convenient to stay. Very easy. But if someone doesn't feel valued, then I'm like, let's hit the road. Let's go on an adventure.
I will say, we want to be here. but I'm not scared of going elsewhere, and I don't think he is, either.
Stafford previously addressed Kupp's pending departure in a Wednesday interview with CBS Sports.
"It's tough. I've been around long enough to know that anything is possible, but Cooper's been a pillar of this organization and this community for a long time, since he got drafted here," Stafford said (4:00 of the video below.)
Stafford continued: "Probably spent more time with Cooper Kupp than any other teammate I've ever had... I'll miss him not being on the same team."
The Rams advanced to the Divisional Round this winter before falling short in a 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
This time it was not Kupp serving as Stafford's top target but rather Puka Nacua, who led the Rams with 79 catches for 990 yards during his second NFL season.
Kupp signed a three-year extension worth up to $80 million after he led the NFL with 145 receptions during the 2021 season.
There is only $5 million in guaranteed money remaining on that deal, but the current structure of the contract carries cap hits of more than $27 million in both 2025 and 2026, per Spotrac.
With Nacua serving as the team's top receiver, the Rams would have likely needed to restructure that contract in order to retain Kupp. Any team trading for Kupp will likely do the same.
Stafford meanwhile has two years and $58 million remaining on his current contract, per Spotrac. He receives $4 million in guaranteed money if he is still on the roster as of March 14.
That could mean a decision regarding Stafford's future with the team will take place within the next month. Head coach Sean McVay said in January he would like to resolve Stafford's contract situation "sooner than later."
