Tag: Cooper Kupp

Cincinnati Bengals have surprisingly good odds to land former All-Pro

Oddsmakers really like the idea of this former All-Pro joining the Bengals.

While we’ve suggested the Cincinnati Bengals don’t appear to be the best fit as a trade partner for Los Angeles Rams wideout Cooper Kupp, that doesn’t mean everyone agrees on that point. 

In fact, it would appear that oddsmakers tend to love the idea.

Over at DraftKings, for example, the Bengals are co-favorites to land Kupp, listed at +500 — tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Four teams sit at +600 just behind them.

As of now, those lines are pretty similar, no matter where one looks.

Two big factors play a role here. One, there’s the easy-to-make connection between Zac Taylor and the Rams. Two, the fate of Tee Higgins with the Bengals is a question mark.

RELATED: Ja’Marr Chase slips up with revealing comment about Bengals’ season

Despite this, Higgins is still obviously option No. 1 for the Bengals and things have taken a drastic shift in his return outlook since he changed agents.

If Higgins leaves, though, Kupp might make some sense if he’s available as a free agent, hence the strong odds. The fact he’s going to be 32 years old soon and has attendance issues notwithstanding, he’d be near the top of the list in free agency if the price is right.

That said, this certainly isn’t advice suggesting to take the strong odds.

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Puka Nacua reflects on ‘huge blessing’ of being Cooper Kupp’s teammate

Puka Nacua called it a “huge blessing” to be Cooper Kupp’s teammate for the last two years and he’s going to miss him on the Rams

The Los Angeles Rams aren’t just losing a talented receiver by parting ways with Cooper Kupp. They’re also losing a leader in the locker room and one of the smartest players in football.

As a team captain and veteran in the Rams’ building, Kupp took younger receivers under his wing and helped guide them in special ways. Just ask Puka Nacua how much Kupp has meant to his career.

Nacua benefited greatly from being Kupp’s teammate in Los Angeles, learning the ins and outs as a rookie in 2023 and spending the offseason working with him last year ahead of his second season. Nacua joined Kupp’s early morning workouts last spring and stayed attached at the hip in 2024, which led to another huge season for the former BYU receiver.

In an interview on Up and Adams, Nacua attempted to put into perspective what Kupp has meant to him in light of the news that Los Angeles plans to trade the veteran wideout.

“I feel like I’ve been spoiled, I’ve been blessed to be able to have Cooper Kupp be my mentor,” Nacua said. “To be able to follow him and to be able to watch him interact with everybody in our facility, being the leader and the team captain, and then to watch him be a dad and be a husband in the offseason and that time we got to spend together. And the basketball player that he is, to be able to compete against him at the same time. But then to watch him work in-season and how detailed he is and everything he does to take care of his body and to communicate with Matthew to be on the same page, it’s been a huge blessing and I frickin’ love that guy.”

Kupp announced the news of his impending departure on social media but that’s not how Nacua learned about this development. Kupp made sure to text his fellow Rams receivers to let them know the news was coming down the line.

Even days later, Nacua had a hard time believing it was real.

“He reached out to our receiver group chat before the news had broke and just seeing it on social media,” Nacua said. “And then honestly, before I came out here for the Super Bowl, I rechecked Twitter like, ‘Was I dreaming? Is the Luka (Doncic) and this stuff going on for real?’”

Nacua will continue being a productive receiver for the Rams, but things won’t be the same without Kupp on the sideline with him.

Matthew Stafford comments on Rams’ plans to trade Cooper Kupp for first time

Matthew Stafford commented on Cooper Kupp’s looming departure, making it clear how much he’s going to miss the start WR

A lot of people in Los Angeles are going to miss Cooper Kupp once the Rams inevitably move on from him, Matthew Stafford chief among them. Though Stafford and Kupp have only been teammates for four years, they’ve become incredibly close during that time – both on the field and especially off it.

Heck, they even have a video miniseries together called “Nine and Dime”, which we’re also going to miss.

While Stafford probably knew it was a possibility that the Rams would part ways with Kupp this offseason, it didn’t make the news any easier to swallow. He’s disappointed to know he and Kupp won’t be teammates anymore, having spent more time with him than perhaps any other player in his career.

Stafford commented on the trade for the first time in an interview with CBS Sports HQ, and here’s what he said.

“It’s tough. I’ve been around long enough to know anything is possible, but Cooper’s been a pillar of this organization and this community for a long time, since he got drafted here,” he said. “His ability to impact the guys in our locker room, obviously his play on the field and the people in the community he’s been able to impact, it’s incredible. Super Bowl MVP, the guy’s as good as it gets when it comes to making plays on the grass, but he’s probably even better in our locker room, meeting rooms and obviously as a family man. Lucky to get to spend the time that I got to spend with him. Probably spent more time with Cooper Kupp than any other teammate I’ve ever had as far as in the building and talking football and being about football, so I’ll miss him not being on the same team.”

Stafford and Kupp became known for their “Breakfast Club” in the Rams’ building, an early morning film session at the facility. Their dedication to football is what helped them grow so close over the last four years, while also spending quality family time together outside the walls of the Rams’ headquarters.

There’s no replacing Kupp in Los Angeles, even if his play did fall off at the end of the 2024 season. Like every other fan in Southern California, Stafford will miss seeing No. 10 on the field for the Rams.

Former Washington coach believes Cooper Kupp would be perfect for Commanders

The Washington Commanders are being named a match for every available player this season. Their former coach thinks Cooper Kupp would be a welcome addition.

This week, sports have seen many crazy things happen. First, Myles Garrett requested a trade from the team he’s been with for eight seasons. The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers swapped Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic in a blockbuster deal that shocked the NBA. Cooper Kupp announced that the Los Angeles Rams were actively trying to trade him.

The Washington Commanders have already been named a prime landing spot for Garrett, who could significantly boost the defense. Now, former Washington coach Jay Gruden says Kupp could line up next to Terry McLaurin in 2025.

“The Rams are going to part ways with Cooper Kupp,” Gruden says in the video. “My first team would be the Washington Commanders. We need someone to line up alongside Terry (McLaurin) that can do some things in the middle of the field. Let’s get a veteran guy who will block on the perimeter and buy into the toughness of Dan Quinn. He’ll fit in perfect with this offense.”

Kupp would be a welcome addition to the offense and definitely give Jayden Daniels another solid target to look for down the field. Having Kupp and McLaurin could be more of a dangerous duo than most will admit, especially with Daniels pitching them the ball. On top of that, Kupp will block, he will run, he is capable of stepping in as a return man, and has even attempted to throw the ball.

The Commanders have plenty of capital to work with this offseason, and adding a veteran like Kupp could be just what the offense needs to get to the next level.

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What can the Rams realistically expect to get in return for Cooper Kupp?

As we’ve seen with recent trades by the Rams, they shouldn’t expect to get much in return for Cooper Kupp

The Los Angeles Rams are preparing to move on from Cooper Kupp after eight seasons, informing the veteran wide receiver that they plan to trade him this offseason. Kupp made it abundantly clear that he doesn’t agree with the decision and hoped to finish his career with the Rams, but the situation is out of his control and his time in L.A. is coming to an end.

If the Rams had shopped Kupp on the market three years ago, they most likely would’ve gotten at least a first-round pick for the triple-crown receiver. Now? His value isn’t going to come close to that.

So what can they realistically expect to get in return for Kupp? It’s hard to say, but it’s probably not going to be much.

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, when the Rams were getting calls about Kupp back in October, they were telling teams that it’d take at least what the Raiders got for Davante Adams, which was a conditional third-round pick that could become a second-rounder.

Unsurprisingly, no team met their asking price. However, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network told Rich Eisen this week that the Rams did have “serious offers” and “good value on the table” at the time.

Fast forward to now and Los Angeles could struggle to find a trade partner for Kupp, largely because of his contract. Kupp is due a $7.5 million roster bonus on the third day of the new league year in March, which the Rams will be on the hook for if he’s still on the roster.

Other teams in the market for Kupp would love for Los Angeles to pay that, so they could just wait it out until next month in order to save some money. Or, they can negotiate with the Rams and get Los Angeles to pay the bonus anyway in order to facilitate a deal.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported this week that the Rams could be at least willing to take on some of Kupp’s contract to make it easier to find a suitor for the receiver. That type of move could help the Rams land a more valuable pick in a trade, too. Essentially, they’d be paying for a better pick, which happens sometimes in these deals.

When it’s all said and done, the Rams probably won’t get more than a late-round pick. Heck, when the Rams traded Jalen Ramsey in 2023 for a tight end and a third-round pick, everyone was shocked at how little value they got in return. And that was for a premier cornerback who was only 28 years old.

Kupp will be 32 in June and is coming off one of his worst seasons as a pro, and he’s also had trouble staying healthy in the last three years. Not to mention, the Rams are working with Kupp to find a good situation for him, just as they did with Ramsey two years ago.

For a team that’s gotten nothing more than a sixth-round pick for the likes of Allen Robinson, Cam Akers, Van Jefferson and Ernest Jones, no one should expect them to get much in return for Kupp.

Patriots WR’s bold reaction to Rams putting Cooper Kupp on trade block

Kendrick Bourne would bet his money on Cooper Kupp, if he were a GM

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne strongly reacted to the Los Angeles Rams putting star wide receiver Cooper Kupp on the trade block.

“I ain’t no GM or nothing, but I can promise anyone this money is gonna be worth it,” Bourne posted in regards to Kupp being on the trade market.

Bourne and Kupp have a lengthy history together, dating all the way back to their time as teammates at Eastern Washington University. The pair formed a dynamic duo for the program and led the team to a 12-2 record. This included an 8-0 record in Big Sky Conference play.

The opportunity could be there for the two receivers to reconnect once again. Patriots Wire’s Jordy McElroy floated potential trade possibilities with the Patriots needing a playmaking wide receiver, and Kupp’s name was on that list.

It would be quite the reunion between Kupp and Bourne if the Patriots made a move. More importantly, it would boost the team in the passing game.

It’s important to note that the Rams might also be willing to take on some of Kupp’s salary to help get a deal done. Time will tell what happens on the trade front, but it’s clear Bourne would love to have another playmaker in the fold for the Patriots.

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3 WR targets for the Rams on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft

With the Rams’ receiving corps likely to look much different in 2025, here are three targets on Day 3 of the draft

The Los Angeles Rams selected wide receiver Jordan Whittington in the sixth round of last year’s 2024 NFL draft. Whittington surpassed expectations, recording 22 receptions for 293 yards. He projects as a useful player in Sean McVay’s offense moving forward.

The Rams are expected to enter the market for a receiver again this offseason. Veteran wideout Cooper Kupp isn’t going to return to the Rams, as his contract is structured to carry a bloated cap charge of nearly $30 million in 2025. General manager Les Snead could create significant financial savings by trading or releasing Kupp.

The Rams are slated to make four selections between Rounds 4 and 7 in the 2025 NFL draft. Snead should prepare to draft another receiver in that range after nailing the Whittington decision. We’ve identified three potential targets.

Tez Johnson | Oregon

Tez Johnson weighed in at 156 pounds at the Senior Bowl, being one of the lightest pre-draft wideouts since Tutu Atwell. We know McVay sometimes can’t help himself when it comes to undersized playmakers. All kidding aside, Johnson is a tough cover, using short-area quickness to avoid physical contact at the line of scrimmage.

Jaylin Lane | West Virginia

West Virginia’s Jaylin Lane is a versatile offensive weapon who defeats defensive backs in close quarters. Lane can create post-catch opportunities for himself in space. He’s also an experienced special teams contributor, with more than 1,000 career return yards and two touchdowns.

LaJohntay Wester | Colorado

LaJohntay Wester is cut from a similar cloth as Atwell and Johnson, checking in at 177 pounds at the East-West Shrine Bowl. He was dynamic for Shedeur Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes this campaign, totaling 74 receptions for 931 yards and 10 touchdowns. Wester is going to make big-time plays at the next level, even if it’s via manufactured touches.

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Rams put Cooper Kupp on trade block, receiver has ties to Lions regime

Rams put veteran WR Cooper Kupp on trade block and the receiver has ties to this Lions regime

Myles Garrett wasn’t the only surprising trade news to come down on the start of Super Bowl week. Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp took to social media to essentially say goodbye to Los Angeles and the fans, as he shared the team is looking to trade the former All-Pro receiver.

While it remains to be seen if the Lions would have interest in trading for Kupp, it is interesting to note that there are some ties between Kupp and the Lions’ front office. Current Lions general manager Brad Holmes was director of college scouting for the Rams when Kupp was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft.

Assistant general manager Ray Agnew was also part of that Rams front office that drafted Kupp. Agnew was in his first season as director of pro personnel for the Rams.

Current Rams general manager Les Snead was the spearhead that helped build the Rams and was key in the team winning Super Bowl 56. But make no mistake, Holmes and Agnew were also very important in the decision-making. If, by some chance, the Lions do swing a deal for Kupp — a deal that is far from a guarantee at this point — the two men leading the charge will know exactly what they’re getting in Kupp and know a thing or two about giving him an opportunity.

Former Steelers QB endorses massive 2025 superstar wide receiver trade

Ben Roethlisberger approves of the Pittsburgh Steelers making a move for Cooper Kupp as trade speculation continues to grow.

While the NFL world prepares for the Super Bowl LIX matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, trade speculation is running rampant between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams superstar Cooper Kupp.

Kupp took to social media to express his disappointment with the Rams’ desire to move on from him, as he had hoped to retire in Los Angeles.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were previously linked to Kupp during the 2024 season, and the Steel City once again finds itself in the mix as a potential destination for Kupp—and legendary Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger approves.

On his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the former Steelers QB excitedly spoke on this potential move:

“For the Steelers, it’s a great move—depending on what the Rams are asking. If they’re asking for something that’s outlandish, then don’t do it. But if it’s worth doing and you have the cap space to take on his contract, then I would absolutely do it.”

Roethlisberger’s approval may do little to actually improve the Steelers’ chances of acquiring Kupp, but the two-time Super Bowl-winning QB knows a thing or two about talented receivers.

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Would Rams WR Cooper Kupp be an option for the Commanders?

Could Cooper Kupp be an option for Washington in 2025?

The Washington Commanders will add help at wide receiver this offseason. We’ve discussed potentially adding free agents Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin.

Now, another veteran name has become a possibility. On Monday, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp revealed on social media that the Rams had informed him they’d be exploring trade options for the veteran.

So, it’s only fair to ask: Would Kupp be an option for the Commanders?

Before we explain why or why not, let’s make sure to explain the differences between Kupp and the other options. First, Kupp will be 32 in June. His prime years are behind him, and he’s also dealt with multiple injuries over the last three seasons.

Kupp’s contract has two years remaining. However, the Rams are reportedly willing to pay part of it to facilitate a trade. 

If the Commanders acquired Higgins, he’d be paid as one of the NFL’s best and clearly be a 1b to Terry McLaurin’s 1a. Godwin would be in a similar role but much cheaper than Higgins. Kupp, arguably the best receiver in the NFL a few years ago, is a tier or two below Higgins and Godwin. But that doesn’t mean he can’t help Washington.

Kupp wouldn’t need to be the Commanders’ No. 1 receiver. He could slide in behind McLaurin, and his presence would help take away some of the attention from McLaurin. He doesn’t address Washington’s need to add more speed and big-play ability to the offense. But to say Kupp can’t be another strong option for quarterback Jayden Daniels is just not true.

However, Washington should not trade for Kupp. It doesn’t matter if the Rams want a seventh-round pick for Kupp — and the Commanders have three. If Los Angeles receives no offers for Kupp, he will be released. At that point, we could discuss Kupp as a potential option for Washington.

Until then, the Commanders should pass.