LOS ANGELES — Wide receiver Cooper Kupp announced that the Los Angeles Rams are looking to trade him after spending eight seasons with the franchise, a decision he does not support. The Super Bowl 56 MVP shared this information through social media on Monday, revealing that the Rams have informed him they will be “seeking a trade immediately” and are committed to collaborating with him and his family to find an ideal situation for him to continue contending for championships.
The 2021 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year took to social media to express his sentiments, essentially bidding farewell to the city where he has built his career. In his message, Kupp stated, “I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.” He added that while many factors are beyond one’s control, it is crucial to focus on how one responds to those events, which are memorable in hindsight.
Kupp’s future with the Rams had become uncertain, as he is locked into a three-year, $80.1 million contract extension following one of the most remarkable seasons by a wide receiver in NFL history during 2021-22. He would have accounted for nearly $30 million in salary cap space for the upcoming season; however, the Rams could free up a significant portion of that amount by trading or releasing him with a post-June 1 designation.
He remains optimistic in his latest social media update, stating, “Preparations start now for 2025” and expressing motivation to play elite football for many years to come. Kupp showed gratitude for the community’s support, mentioning, “Love you guys… But coming for it all.”
After starting the season with a disappointing 1-4 record, the Rams evaluated trade offers for Kupp in October but opted to keep him. The Rams front office’s approach has been pragmatic rather than sentimental, having previously traded or released star players like Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, and Robert Woods before their lucrative contracts began.
The Rams did not issue any comments regarding Kupp’s social media post. When healthy, Kupp has consistently performed as a top receiver for the Rams, who selected him in the third round from Eastern Washington shortly after hiring head coach Sean McVay.
Throughout his career, Kupp became a vital component of McVay’s offensive strategy, amassing 634 receptions for 7,776 yards and scoring 57 touchdowns. He expressed pride in building relationships alongside his teammates and gratitude towards the LA community in his farewell message.
Three seasons back, Kupp achieved remarkable success by leading the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and touchdown catches (16). His incredible performance continued into the playoffs, where he earned Super Bowl MVP honors and scored the decisive touchdown in the Rams’ victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
However, Kupp’s performance has decreased over the past three seasons, and this season ended on a low note for him after missing four early games due to an ankle injury. In the final stretch, he recorded only 12 catches for 162 yards across the last five regular-season games, representing the least productive span of his career. In two playoff matches, he recorded six receptions for 90 yards without finding the end zone.
Emerging receiver Puka Nacua has thrived under Kupp’s experience and leadership, boasting an average of 88.4 receiving yards per game, one of the highest figures in NFL history. On social media, Nacua humorously remarked on the shock of Kupp’s trade news, implying it felt more like a storyline from the NBA.
Looking ahead, Nacua will likely ascend to the top tier of targets, especially with uncertainty surrounding the Rams’ quarterback situation. Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford has indicated that he would take time to decide whether to play a 17th season in the NFL, maintaining strong friendships with both Kupp and Nacua.
If Stafford returns, the Rams’ passing game may undergo substantial changes, particularly with Kupp’s departure. Additional veteran receivers, including Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, and Tyler Johnson, could also leave for free agency. Furthermore, the Rams’ pass game coordinator Nick Caley has departed to take up a position as offensive coordinator at the Houston Texans.
Next season, Kupp will be 32 years old. While he enjoyed three consecutive seasons with over 90 receptions leading up to his standout 2021-22 campaign, he has since failed to exceed 75 catches or 812 receiving yards in any season.
