Cooper Kupp’s value to the Rams increased after the team traded away Brandin Cooks, who was signed through the 2023 season before he was shipped off to Houston. The Rams’ willingness to trade Cooks and eat $21.8 million in dead money would seem to be a sign of their commitment to both Kupp and Robert Woods.
But while Woods is under contract through the 2021 season, Kupp’s deal will expire after the upcoming season. And despite that fact, contract talks haven’t begun between his agent and the team.
Kupp revealed that bit of news on a conference call with reporters Thursday, but he isn’t worried about the lack of negotiations.
Cooper Kupp, who’s heading into the final year of his rookie contract, said there have been no discussions with the team on a new deal. He said he understands that with everything going on in the world right now, that’s not the priority at this time.
— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) April 16, 2020
Kupp said “it’s really not a priority at this time,” but that doesn’t mean it’s unimportant to him. Rather, he understands the current state of the world and knows there are bigger things going on than contract negotiations.
Although the Rams don’t seem to be in a hurry to extend Kupp, they would appear committed to the 26-year-old wide receiver. Last month, COO Kevin Demoff said the team is trying to leave room for Kupp, Jalen Ramsey and John Johnson, all of whom will be free agents in 2021.
“[We’re] making sure long-term that the Cooper Kupps, the John Johnsons, the Jalen Ramseys are all part of our future and that we leave room available for that as the salary cap emerges,” he said.
In three NFL seasons, Kupp has 196 receptions, 2,596 yards and 21 touchdowns despite missing nine games – including half of the 2018 season with a torn ACL. Last season was his best as a pro, catching a career-high 94 passes for 1,161 yards and 10 touchdowns. If not for a relatively quiet second half of the season, his numbers could’ve been much better; he had 58 catches for 792 yards in the first eight games.
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