Rams Explore Cooper Kupp Trade and May Cover Part of His Salary
The Los Angeles Rams are actively exploring trade options for star wide receiver Cooper Kupp and could be willing to cover a significant portion of his salary to facilitate a deal. The move comes as the team faces financial challenges and seeks to restructure its roster. Kupp, a key figure in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory, is under contract through 2026 and is set to earn $20 million in 2025, consisting of a $12.5 million base salary and a $7.5 million roster bonus, with $5 million already guaranteed. The franchise is weighing its options to relieve salary cap pressure while maximizing potential trade value.
The decision to trade Kupp follows a season hampered by injuries and below-average performance. In 2024, he played only 12 games, totaling 737 receiving yards and five touchdowns, a dip from his past production. With the emergence of rookie standout Puka Nacua, the Rams now see less urgency in retaining Kupp as they focus on reshaping their offense.
Teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and Denver Broncos have been linked to a potential trade. Each of these franchises is in need of offensive reinforcements and could benefit from Kupp’s experience and skill set—provided the Rams agree to offset part of his contract.
Cooper Kupp’s Financial Impact and Trade Scenario
Trading Kupp could provide salary cap relief for the Rams, but the team will likely have to absorb a portion of his $20 million salary to make the deal attractive to potential suitors. With an estimated cap space of $46.6 million for 2025, the Rams must manage their financial flexibility to remain competitive. By agreeing to pay part of Kupp’s salary, they could secure a better return in terms of draft picks.
An alternative approach would be for the Rams to pay Kupp’s $7.5 million roster bonus and keep him on the roster until a more favorable trade opportunity arises. If he is released too late in the offseason, his ability to secure a comparable contract with another team could diminish.
Another critical factor in Kupp’s trade market is the evolution of the wide receiver salary landscape. In 2022, he signed a three-year, $80 million extension following his historic triple-crown season. However, the NFL’s financial dynamics have shifted since then, making teams hesitant to take on a hefty contract for a player with recent injury concerns.
Potential Landing Spots for Cooper Kupp
As speculation grows regarding Kupp’s future, several teams emerge as likely destinations. Given their offensive needs and cap flexibility, some of the top candidates include:
- Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers lack offensive consistency and need a reliable target to complement George Pickens. Kupp’s route-running and leadership could be valuable, though Pittsburgh would need to manage cap space to make it work.
- Dallas Cowboys: With CeeDee Lamb solidified as WR1, adding Kupp could elevate their receiving corps to one of the best in the league. The Cowboys have long sought additional offensive firepower.
- Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson thrives with dependable targets, and Baltimore’s inconsistent receiving unit could benefit from Kupp’s presence as a high-volume possession receiver.
- Denver Broncos: After trading Jerry Jeudy, the Broncos need a veteran receiver to anchor their offense. Under Sean Payton, Kupp could assume a crucial role in a developing passing attack.
Cooper Kupp’s Legacy and NFL Impact
Since being drafted in 2017, Kupp has established himself as one of the league’s elite wide receivers. He was instrumental in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI win, earning MVP honors after an incredible 2021 season in which he recorded 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Over seven seasons with the Rams, Kupp has amassed over 7,500 receiving yards and 55 touchdowns. His precise route-running, football IQ, and chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford make him a valuable asset.
The primary concern for teams considering Kupp is his health. He has dealt with multiple injuries, including an ankle sprain in 2022 and muscular issues in 2023 and 2024. Despite his talent, his recent injury history could impact his trade value.
Rams’ Strategic Decision and Future Outlook
Kupp’s potential departure signals a shift in the Rams’ team-building approach. The franchise is focused on financial sustainability and roster retooling.
With Puka Nacua’s breakout season, the Rams may feel comfortable moving on from Kupp. The rookie exceeded expectations in 2024, surpassing 1,500 receiving yards and establishing himself as a primary offensive weapon. His rise reduces the urgency of keeping Kupp at a high salary.
Additionally, the future of Matthew Stafford could influence the team’s decisions. The veteran quarterback is under contract through 2026, carrying a significant cap hit. If the Rams decide to undergo a full rebuild, Kupp may not be the only veteran they part ways with.
Wide Receiver Market Trends and Trade Implications
The valuation of veteran wide receivers has become a major discussion point in the NFL. While some teams are willing to invest heavily in elite pass-catchers, others prefer to develop younger, cost-controlled talent.
Recent contracts for stars like Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams demonstrate that teams are still willing to pay top dollar for impact receivers. However, Kupp’s age, contract, and injury history may complicate his trade market.
The influx of talented wide receivers entering the league through the draft also impacts Kupp’s value. With consistently deep WR classes, teams may opt to acquire younger, more affordable talent rather than take on an expensive veteran.
Rams’ Offseason Options and Next Steps
If the Rams successfully trade Kupp, they will have several options to reshape their roster and manage cap space. Possible benefits include:
- Acquiring Draft Capital: By trading Kupp, the Rams could secure valuable picks to strengthen their roster.
- Freeing Cap Space: Reducing Kupp’s financial burden would allow flexibility in pursuing free agents or extending key players.
- Offensive Adjustments: Without Kupp, the Rams may explore new offensive schemes or bring in additional pass-catching options.
A well-executed strategy could benefit both the Rams and Kupp, whether through a trade or contract restructuring. The outcome of this situation will have ripple effects throughout the NFL, impacting roster construction and financial planning across multiple teams.

The Los Angeles Rams are actively exploring trade options for star wide receiver Cooper Kupp and could be willing to cover a significant portion of his salary to facilitate a deal. The move comes as the team faces financial challenges and seeks to restructure its roster. Kupp, a key figure in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory, is under contract through 2026 and is set to earn $20 million in 2025, consisting of a $12.5 million base salary and a $7.5 million roster bonus, with $5 million already guaranteed. The franchise is weighing its options to relieve salary cap pressure while maximizing potential trade value.
The decision to trade Kupp follows a season hampered by injuries and below-average performance. In 2024, he played only 12 games, totaling 737 receiving yards and five touchdowns, a dip from his past production. With the emergence of rookie standout Puka Nacua, the Rams now see less urgency in retaining Kupp as they focus on reshaping their offense.
Teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and Denver Broncos have been linked to a potential trade. Each of these franchises is in need of offensive reinforcements and could benefit from Kupp’s experience and skill set—provided the Rams agree to offset part of his contract.
Cooper Kupp’s Financial Impact and Trade Scenario
Trading Kupp could provide salary cap relief for the Rams, but the team will likely have to absorb a portion of his $20 million salary to make the deal attractive to potential suitors. With an estimated cap space of $46.6 million for 2025, the Rams must manage their financial flexibility to remain competitive. By agreeing to pay part of Kupp’s salary, they could secure a better return in terms of draft picks.
An alternative approach would be for the Rams to pay Kupp’s $7.5 million roster bonus and keep him on the roster until a more favorable trade opportunity arises. If he is released too late in the offseason, his ability to secure a comparable contract with another team could diminish.
Another critical factor in Kupp’s trade market is the evolution of the wide receiver salary landscape. In 2022, he signed a three-year, $80 million extension following his historic triple-crown season. However, the NFL’s financial dynamics have shifted since then, making teams hesitant to take on a hefty contract for a player with recent injury concerns.
Potential Landing Spots for Cooper Kupp
As speculation grows regarding Kupp’s future, several teams emerge as likely destinations. Given their offensive needs and cap flexibility, some of the top candidates include:
- Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers lack offensive consistency and need a reliable target to complement George Pickens. Kupp’s route-running and leadership could be valuable, though Pittsburgh would need to manage cap space to make it work.
- Dallas Cowboys: With CeeDee Lamb solidified as WR1, adding Kupp could elevate their receiving corps to one of the best in the league. The Cowboys have long sought additional offensive firepower.
- Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson thrives with dependable targets, and Baltimore’s inconsistent receiving unit could benefit from Kupp’s presence as a high-volume possession receiver.
- Denver Broncos: After trading Jerry Jeudy, the Broncos need a veteran receiver to anchor their offense. Under Sean Payton, Kupp could assume a crucial role in a developing passing attack.
Cooper Kupp’s Legacy and NFL Impact
Since being drafted in 2017, Kupp has established himself as one of the league’s elite wide receivers. He was instrumental in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI win, earning MVP honors after an incredible 2021 season in which he recorded 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Over seven seasons with the Rams, Kupp has amassed over 7,500 receiving yards and 55 touchdowns. His precise route-running, football IQ, and chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford make him a valuable asset.
The primary concern for teams considering Kupp is his health. He has dealt with multiple injuries, including an ankle sprain in 2022 and muscular issues in 2023 and 2024. Despite his talent, his recent injury history could impact his trade value.
Rams’ Strategic Decision and Future Outlook
Kupp’s potential departure signals a shift in the Rams’ team-building approach. The franchise is focused on financial sustainability and roster retooling.
With Puka Nacua’s breakout season, the Rams may feel comfortable moving on from Kupp. The rookie exceeded expectations in 2024, surpassing 1,500 receiving yards and establishing himself as a primary offensive weapon. His rise reduces the urgency of keeping Kupp at a high salary.
Additionally, the future of Matthew Stafford could influence the team’s decisions. The veteran quarterback is under contract through 2026, carrying a significant cap hit. If the Rams decide to undergo a full rebuild, Kupp may not be the only veteran they part ways with.
Wide Receiver Market Trends and Trade Implications
The valuation of veteran wide receivers has become a major discussion point in the NFL. While some teams are willing to invest heavily in elite pass-catchers, others prefer to develop younger, cost-controlled talent.
Recent contracts for stars like Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams demonstrate that teams are still willing to pay top dollar for impact receivers. However, Kupp’s age, contract, and injury history may complicate his trade market.
The influx of talented wide receivers entering the league through the draft also impacts Kupp’s value. With consistently deep WR classes, teams may opt to acquire younger, more affordable talent rather than take on an expensive veteran.
Rams’ Offseason Options and Next Steps
If the Rams successfully trade Kupp, they will have several options to reshape their roster and manage cap space. Possible benefits include:
- Acquiring Draft Capital: By trading Kupp, the Rams could secure valuable picks to strengthen their roster.
- Freeing Cap Space: Reducing Kupp’s financial burden would allow flexibility in pursuing free agents or extending key players.
- Offensive Adjustments: Without Kupp, the Rams may explore new offensive schemes or bring in additional pass-catching options.
A well-executed strategy could benefit both the Rams and Kupp, whether through a trade or contract restructuring. The outcome of this situation will have ripple effects throughout the NFL, impacting roster construction and financial planning across multiple teams.

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