Cooper Kupp Cut by Rams After NFL Trade Rumors; Latest Details on Salary Cap Impact
Cooper Kupp's time with the Los Angeles Rams has ended via release instead of trade.
Los Angeles informed the wide receiver that he would be released earlier on Wednesday, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Pelissero added that the Rams made attempts to trade Kupp but ultimately decided to let him go "with no one willing to give up compensation and take on" his costly contract, which includes cap hits of $29.8 million this year and $27.3 million in 2026.
It became clear this offseason that Los Angeles would move on from the veteran wide receiver when he took to social media on Feb. 3 and revealed: "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."
However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported in March that "the question, though, is is there enough interest to do a trade where a team will take on his full salary? If not, it certainly seems a possibility for the Rams would be cutting Cooper Kupp and then moving on."
ESPN's Adam Schefter also reported on March 10 that Los Angeles planned on releasing Kupp assuming no trade materialized.
Cutting him was the ultimate move, ending a saga that dated back to the 2024 season when Dianna Russini, Mike Silver and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reported that Los Angeles "called multiple teams" regarding a potential Kupp trade and was looking for a second-round pick in return.
The in-season reports about a possible trade came after an uneven 5-6 start to the season for the Rams, who saw Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) sidelined by early injuries. However, they ended up keeping Kupp and catching fire down the stretch.
Los Angeles won five straight after that start and clinched the NFC West before Week 18. That earned it a home playoff game and made the decision to keep Kupp, who finished the campaign with 67 catches for 710 yards and six touchdowns, look like a wise one.
However, the Rams decided to release him Wednesday, just two days after they signed Davante Adams to play alongside Nacua.
That means other teams around the league will have the chance to sign someone who can be a top playmaker when healthy.
Kupp isn't far removed from one of the best wide receiver seasons in NFL history when he led the league in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947) and touchdown catches (16) as the Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.
As if that wasn't enough, he won Super Bowl LVI MVP with eight catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams' victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
He has struggled with durability since then and appeared in nine games in 2022, 12 games in 2023 and 12 games in 2024. Whatever team signs him will surely hope he can remain on the field and replicate some of those 2021 numbers as it chases a playoff spot.
Cooper Kupp Trade Rumors: Market 'Complicated' for Rams WR Ahead of NFL Free Agency
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:
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'
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."
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
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:
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.
For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app, homepage and social feeds—including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Matthew Stafford's Wife Kelly Rips Cooper Kupp Trade Plans amid Rumors on QB's Future
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 podcast The 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."
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.
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."
Puka Nacua Praises Cooper Kupp as a 'Mentor' and 'Leader' amid Rams Trade Talks
Cooper Kupp announced Monday on social media that he was "informed that the [Los Angeles Rams] 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."
That doesn't come as the biggest surprise, as the Rams would have been on the hook for $20 million in 2025, a lot to pay a 31-year-old receiver who has missed 18 games over the past three seasons and has seen his production decline.
But if it is the end of the road for Kupp in Los Angeles, his teammate, Puka Nacua, is thankful for their time together.
"I think I've been blessed to be able to run to Cooper for these past three years, and he's been nothing but a mentor to me," Nacua told The Athletic's Amos Morale III. "You watch somebody who's detail-oriented, who's paying attention to the small details and the captain and leader of our team, somebody who communicates so well. It's been so exciting and such a blessing to be able to be behind him."
Nacua, 23, has clearly emerged as the Ram's top target in the passing game, registering 79 catches for 990 yards and three scores in just 11 games. That followed a 1,000-yard season in 2023 as a rookie, and his continue ascension into stardom is another likely reason for the Rams deeming Kupp expendable.
It remains to be seen if Los Angeles will actually be able to trade him, or if teams will abstain from taking on that contract and simply wait out the Rams, hoping they release him. Either way, Nacua will clearly be sorry to see him go.
Cooper Kupp Trade Rumors: Steelers, Chiefs, Patriots, Lions Linked as Landing Spots
Cooper Kupp will be on the move this offseason as the receiver revealed Monday that he was informed that the Los Angeles Rams intend to trade him.
Though Kupp's best days are likely behind him, he could be a great asset to a number of teams. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler broke down a handful of squads that might be interested in him on SportsCenter.
"As far as early teams that people are bantering about, the Pittsburgh Steelers looked into Cooper Kupp at the trade deadline last season; they still have a need there," Fowler said. "Washington could look for a compliment to Terry McLaurin. The Patriots would be foolish not to at least check on this given their receiver situation."
Fowler also noted the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions as potential landing spots.
As Fowler mentioned, the Steelers have a void at receiver. While they have a solid WR1 in George Pickens, they still haven't found a true second option. Kupp could certainly be that for Pittsburgh.
The Commanders are in a similar position as the Steelers. Terry McLaurin had another great year, collecting his fifth straight season with 1,000 or more receiving yards, but Washington's second-leading receiver was tight end Zach Ertz, who had 654 yards. Adding Kupp this offseason could give star quarterback Jayden Daniels another option as the Commanders look to get back to the NFC championship next year.
The Patriots arguably need more than just one receiver this offseason. New England has no true WR1, with tight end Hunter Henry leading the Patriots in receiving yards last season with 674. Kupp could join the Patriots and take over as WR1 and make life easier for young quarterback Drake Maye.
In Detroit, Kupp would likely have a lesser role as the Lions already have a pair of star receivers in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Still, Detroit could be a desirable location for him given his relationship with quarterback Jared Goff, who he played with for four seasons in Los Angeles.
He'd be more likely to get more targets for the Chiefs, who don't necessarily have a top receiving option at the moment.
Kupp, who will be 32 by the start of next season, is just a few years removed from the best season of his career when he racked up 1,947 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, but he's dealt with a handful of injuries recently.
With the right team, Kupp could rejuvenate his career and put together a few more good seasons. He'll hope to find that team this offseason.
Cooper Kupp Rumors: Rams Willing to Eat Some of WR's Contract in Trade
After Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp announced that he was informed of the team's intentions to trade him, many wondered about how his hefty salary could factor into negotiations.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday that the Rams could help ease the burden, saying, "My understanding is the Rams are at least willing to eat some of the money, potentially paying down the $7.5 million signing bonus which, a lot of that is fully guaranteed for Kupp, maybe easing the burden on an acquiring team, maybe making a trade a little easier."
After Kupp revealed on Monday that he was informed that the Rams "will be seeking a trade immediately" and will work with him to find his next landing spot, ESPN's Adam Schefter noted that any team that trades for Kupp will inherit his $20 million salary for the 2025 season and his $19.85 million salary for 2026 unless his contract is renegotiated.
Kupp made it clear that he didn't force his way out of Los Angeles, but he handled the news in stride.
"I don't agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in L.A.," he wrote. "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."
Kupp has spent his entire career with the Rams since being drafted with a third-round pick in 2017. This past season, he was limited to 12 games for the second straight year and recorded 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns.
Kupp added in his announcement that he's "healthy as ever," so he should draw interest from teams seeking a difference-maker on the outside. If the Rams are willing to absorb his salary, teams shouldn't hesitate to add the 31-year-old.