Rams followers have been hit with some stunning information on Monday when Cooper Kupp introduced on social media that Los Angeles is looking for to commerce him instantly. He didn’t mince phrases in regards to the determination, saying he doesn’t agree with it, making it clear that he’s “as wholesome as ever” and able to “proceed competing for championships.”
Whereas it was all the time a risk the Rams would transfer on from Kupp this offseason after his title was floated in commerce rumors three months in the past, it doesn’t make this growth harm any much less for individuals who have watched the star receiver make performs in Los Angeles since 2017.
Many have already begun serious about the place Kupp might land, however some are nonetheless caught on one query: why?
Why commerce somebody who’s been a face of the franchise, a prime receiver and a former Tremendous Bowl MVP?
His contract isn’t low-cost
As with most choices like this one, it primarily comes right down to cash. If Kupp have been on a contract value $5 million a 12 months, there’s little doubt the Rams would preserve him. He’s value greater than $5 million only for his management qualities and locker room worth alone.
However Kupp’s contract is paying him considerably greater than that. Like, virtually six occasions that quantity.
In response to Over The Cap, Kupp’s cap hit in 2025 is $29.78 million. In 2026, the ultimate 12 months of his deal, it’s $27.33 million. That’s $57 million complete within the subsequent two years, which is some huge cash for a 31-year-old receiver who simply had one in every of his worst seasons within the NFL.
If the Rams can discover a commerce companion for Kupp, they’ll save $12.52 million in cap area, decreasing his cap quantity from $29.78 million to $17.26 million in lifeless cash. That’s a major financial savings for any workforce, however particularly one which doubtless must re-sign its quarterback this offseason because the Rams do.
He can’t keep wholesome
Kupp’s complete profession has been marred by accidents and it’s laborious to see that ever altering. He’s missed a minimum of one sport in six of his eight seasons, together with 4 seasons the place he missed a minimum of 4 video games as a consequence of harm.
He went into the 2024 season as wholesome as he’s ever been, but he nonetheless couldn’t keep on the sector. Kupp injured his ankle in Week 2 and missed 4 video games because of this, the newest harm on an ever-growing record of illnesses he’s handled all through his time within the NFL. He’s had a hamstring pressure, sprained ankle, torn ACL and a wrist harm through the years, so it’s not merely one kind of situation that’s triggered him to overlook time.
Kupp says he’s “as wholesome as ever,” which might be true, however there’s no assure he’ll stay wholesome for a full season – one thing he hasn’t performed since 2021. It’s not his fault, but it surely’s turn into the story of his profession, sadly.
Rams want extra selection at vast receiver
Sean McVay stated after the Rams’ season ended that they want extra versatility on offense. He wasn’t talking particularly about Kupp, however that notion applies to him and the vast receiver place.
Puka Nacua and Kupp are comparable receivers, which is what has made each of them so efficient within the Rams offense. However Nacua is the brand new go-to receiver for Matthew Stafford, doing all the pieces a little bit bit higher than Kupp.
Moderately than having two receivers with comparable talent units, the Rams can be smart so as to add some selection on the place. They want extra velocity and explosiveness on the surface, and with Kupp enjoying many of the snaps as a beginning receiver, it’s laborious to get different gamers on the sector.
By buying and selling Kupp, the Rams will open the door for extra selection at wideout alongside Nacua. They may give a speedy receiver extra alternatives. They will go after a much bigger, extra bodily jump-ball specialist to enrich Nacua’s talent set. They will herald a smaller, faster slot receiver.
Backside line
On no account is that this a straightforward determination for the Rams to make. Kupp has been a fan favourite and a worthwhile member of the locker room. His chemistry with Stafford is unmatched and the management he gives youthful receivers like Nacua is immeasurable.
However at this level in his profession, Kupp is now not the participant he was as soon as. He’s costly, typically injured and wasn’t having the identical affect as ordinary towards the top of the 12 months. Buying and selling him will harm, but it surely’s what the workforce feels is greatest shifting ahead.
