Would the Rams Really Trade Cooper Kupp?
It's only been a couple of years since the Los Angeles Rams were hosting the Lombardi Trophy as Super Bowl champions, with star wide receiver Cooper Kupp earning MVP honors on the game's biggest stage, but the two parties might be headed for a split.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that the Rams have received calls from multiple teams about the possibility of acquiring Kupp, and there's plenty of circumstantial evidence to support such a move.
The Rams have struggled to a 1-4 start this season, buried at the bottom of the NFC West as they come out of their bye week. Kupp is 31 years old, has already dealt with injuries throughout his career, and hasn't played since Week 2 due to an ankle injury.
Every championship team has to eventually admit their window has closed, and start making difficult decisions about big-name players who are getting older while taking up sizable chunks of the salary cap. The Rams clearly appear to be entering that era. with Aaron Donald retiring after last season, while the offense depends on an aging and oft-injured starting quarterback in Matthew Stafford.
Still, would the Rams really trade their Super Bowl MVP, and one of the most popular players on the team?
"A trade of Kupp, 31, would be complicated to say the least," Rapoport says. "The MVP of Super Bowl LVI was a member of Sean McVay's first draft class and the two are close. He is a fan favorite and a favorite of quarterback Matthew Stafford. While rookie Jordan Whittington has filled in capably (18 receptions, 201 yards), he's not Kupp."
It's true that the Rams have young and promising pass-catchers waiting in the wings, such as Whittington and last year's rookie wonder, Puka Nacua. Their presence could help tip the scales in favor of dealing Kupp, should the Rams get an offer they can't refuse?
Kupp was the Super Bowl MVP back in 2022.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
What would that deal look like?
It's hard to imagine the Rams getting anything close to a first-round pick for such an aging, expensive player who is coming off yet another injury. Would a Day 2 pick make it happen? Perhaps something conditional that depends on Kupp's availability and production over the rest of the season?
As Rapoport also points out, the Rams' on-field results over the next couple of weeks could have a big impact on whether or not Kupp gets dealt. If their losing skid continues as the trade deadline gets closer, it might push them in the direction of letting Kupp go to a contender who will meet their compensation demands, as well as be willing to absorb the entirety of his hefty cap number moving forward.
It's hard to imagine Kupp catching passes in a different jersey, but if things keep heading in the wrong direction for the Rams, he could indeed be finishing his impressive career elsewhere.
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