Tag: Cooper Kupp

What would it cost the Steelers to trade for Rams WR Cooper Kupp?

Could the Steelers land Cooper Kupp for a pair of Day 3 picks? His trade value may make an acquisition more affordable than expected.

The NFL is truly unforgiving—and the Los Angeles Rams’ willingness to trade their superstar Cooper Kupp, just four years removed from his stellar triple crown season in 2021, further proves it.

One team’s trash is another team’s treasure, however, as while the Rams may want to trade Kupp to cut costs in 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers could definitely use the assistance of the former All-Pro receiver.

Acquiring Kupp wouldn’t demand too much draft capital from the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he will be 32 years old by the time the 2025 regular season begins. Injury concerns could also lower the cost, potentially allowing the Steel City to send one or two Day 3 picks in exchange for Kupp.

Should the Steelers seriously consider acquiring Kupp, sending a 2025 fifth- and sixth-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Rams could seal the deal.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have long desired an elite, veteran wide receiver presence on their offense, and Kupp’s trade situation with the Rams seems too perfect to pass up.

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Why Chargers make sense for WR Cooper Kupp

Add Cooper Kupp to the list of possible wideout targets for the Chargers this offseason, as the Rams are set to trade the 2021 Pro Bowler.

There has been some big trade news out of the NFL this week. First, it was Myles Garrett who requested a trade.

Next, Cooper Kupp made a social media post about how the Rams will be trading him this offseason. Surprisingly, the veteran has only made one Pro Bowl in his eight-year career, which was in 2021, when he went off for an incredible 1,947 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.

He’s eclipsed 1,000 yards just twice in his injury-plagued career. Kupp will be 32 years old by the time the 2025 season kicks off, so his best days seem to be behind him.

We identified why Garrett could be a fit in Los Angeles, so can the same thing be said for Kupp? Well, let’s identify some reasons why it could work out.

Chargers need a wide receiver badly

It’s the most significant offseason need for the Chargers, evident throughout the 2024 season. Time and time again, Ladd McConkey was the only guy who could get open for Justin Herbert.

Kupp is among the best in the NFL in finding the soft spot in his opponents’ coverage. Health is a concern, as he’s played in 33 games over the last three years. That said, when he’s on the field, Kupp is a massive upgrade over anything the Chargers have right now other than McConkey.

Kupp won’t cost much in terms of assets

As aforementioned, Kupp is set to turn 32 years old, and he isn’t the 2021 version of himself. With cap hits of $27+ million each of the next two years, it’s hard to imagine that the Rams will get anything significant in return.

This gives the Chargers a potential low-risk, high-reward trade. With just two years left on his contract, they have little downside to acquiring Kupp. The Chargers can afford him, too, as they have the sixth-most cap space entering this offseason.

Locker room presence

On top of the on-field play, Kupp brings veteran leadership to the locker room. The Chargers have a solid locker room with Jim Harbaugh leading the squad, but you can never have too many veteran leaders.

Kupp has won a Super Bowl, so he knows what it takes to get the job done. He would be a perfect mentor for McConkey, who is set to enter his second NFL season in 2025.

It would be interesting to see how Kupp and McConkey fit together in the same offense. Both of them spend the majority of their snaps in the slot, so one of them would have to revert to the outside.

According to DraftKings, the Chargers are tied for third (+600) in terms of odds for Kupp’s next landing spot. This is a move that the Bolts should at least have discussions on this offseason.

Would a Myles Garrett or Cooper Kupp trade make sense for the Dolphins?

The Dolphins have made trades to land Tyreek Hill, Jalen Ramsey, and Bradley Chubb. Should they try to get another big name in 2025?

Two of the NFL’s biggest stars of the last decade could be on the move this offseason.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, announced Monday morning that he’d like to be traded. Later that day, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, announced he was told he will be traded.

Naturally, most NFL fans are wondering if either of these two stars could be wearing their favorite team’s uniform soon.

The Miami Dolphins are not strangers to taking big swings. In recent years, they acquired stars Tyreek Hill, Jalen Ramsey, and Bradley Chubb in trades. So could Dolphins general manager Chris Grier do it again and go after Garrett or Kupp?

A Myles Garrett trade doesn’t make much sense

At an extreme, birds-eye view, it’s easy to justify an effort to add Garrett.

The Dolphins finished 27th in the NFL in sacks last season and didn’t force many turnovers. Garrett has recorded double-digit sack totals in seven straight years with 60 sacks in the last four. He’s also forced 20 fumbles and plenty of errant passes.

But if you zoom in a little closer at a potential deal for Garrett, the logic falls apart.

For one, the Dolphins pass rush already stands to take a big step forward with Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips returning from injury, and both Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara entering year two of their NFL careers.

And two, landing Garrett would cost a boatload that the Dolphins can’t afford.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry says a pair of first-round picks wouldn’t be enough for him to send Garrett elsewhere. Even if Cleveland comes off that lofty price, it won’t cost anything less than a first-round pick and a lot of change to acquire the six-time Pro Bowler.

Then there’s the contract. No team that gives up that much to get Garrett in a trade will be OK with allowing the lineman to hit free agency after only two seasons. One of the NFL’s richest deals to keep the 29-year old will be a must.

Should the Dolphins, a team with a dearth of cap space and plenty of needs to address, sell the farm to land a player at a position that is already in decent shape? Don’t count on it.

A Cooper Kupp deal isn’t wild, but still a long shot

The Dolphins offense has seen big numbers from the wide receiver position, including back-to-back 1,700-yard seasons from Tyreek Hill and more than 4,000 yards in four years from Jaylen Waddle.

It might be past time for the Dolphins to be done riding the Hill drama roller coaster, though. There’s a discipline issue in Miami and it’ll be hard for the team to stomach the receiver quitting on the squad in Week 18 and showing little remorse for his actions.

But parting with Hill would leave the Dolphins with Waddle, Malik Washington, and not much else at the position.

Ditching Hill and adding Kupp would not only provide a reliable replacement at the position, but a veteran with a demonstrated history of leadership and accountability. And unlike Garrett, it won’t take a king’s ransom to land Kupp — just a mid-round draft pick should do the trick.

Here’s the downside, though.

The team that acquires Kupp will inherit his $12.5 million and $14.85 million base salaries in the next two seasons. That’s not cheap for a player who has missed at least five games in each of the last three seasons due to injuries, and averaged 61.4 and 59.2 yards per game in the last two years — far from the 114.5-yard average that earned him MVP votes in 2021.

Maybe his stellar history and outstanding character make it a worthwhile risk for the Dolphins. But teams with more cap space to afford a roll of the dice are probably the more logical landing spots.

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Report: Rams willing to pay some of Cooper Kupp’s contract to facilitate trade

The Rams are “at least willing” to pay down some of Cooper Kupp’s contract in order to make a trade easier to get done

It’s clear the Los Angeles Rams plan to trade Cooper Kupp this offseason, parting ways with the wide receiver after eight seasons. They’ve informed Kupp of their plans, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be able to find a team to take him.

With his bloated contract and a $7.5 million roster bonus due in March, finding a trade partner is easier said than done. One way for the Rams to facilitate a deal could be to pay some of Kupp’s remaining contract.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Rams are “at least willing to eat some of the money, potentially paying down the $7.5 million signing bonus.” That could be a necessary move for Los Angeles in order to entice a team to take on Kupp’s contract.

“My understanding is the Rams are at least willing to eat some of the money, potentially paying down the $7.5 million signing bonus which, a lot of that is fully guaranteed for Kupp, maybe easing the burden on an acquiring team, maybe making a trade a little easier,” Rapoport said.

If the Rams trade Kupp before his roster bonus is due in March, the trading team would be responsible for that, which would drive his total cost in 2025 to $20 million instead of just $12.5 million. If the Rams wait until after that bonus is paid, they will be responsible for it, thus lessening the cost for the trading team to acquire him.

It’s possible the Rams and another team can agree to a deal before that bonus is due, with the Rams potentially paying some of it in order to facilitate a trade. It wouldn’t be preferred for Los Angeles, but it might be necessary in order to avoid cutting Kupp outright and only saving $5 million overall.

3 WRs the Rams could target on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft

With Cooper Kupp on his way out of Los Angeles, the Rams could target these three WRs on Day 2 of the draft

The Los Angeles Rams are set to part ways with veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason, informing him this week that he’ll be traded in the near future. Scheduled to carry a cap charge worth nearly $30 million in 2025, his inevitable departure will create an immediate need at receiver. General manager Les Snead could search for a replacement via the 2025 NFL draft.

The Rams are slated to possess two third-round selections. Kupp was a former third-rounder himself, proving Snead’s capability to draft a high-upside receiver on Day 2. With that in mind, we’ve identified three receiver prospects the Rams could target in the second or third rounds.

Xavier Restrepo | Miami

If the Rams are searching for a direct replacement for Kupp in the slot, Miami’s Xavier Restrepo fits the bill. Short-area quickness and creativity make Restrepo a threat both pre-and-post catch. The Hurricanes standout recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards this past season, proving he’s ready for a workhorse role.

Jaylin Noel | Iowa State

Jaylin Noel is a twitchy receiver with outstanding short-area quickness. He appears tailor-made to play in the slot at the next level, but also proved capable of playing the boundary at this year’s Senior Bowl, showcasing desirable versatility. Noel was explosive while running the complete route tree at Iowa State.

Jack Bech | TCU

No receiver at this year’s Senior Bowl showcased more toughness than Jack Bech. An excellent route runner who creates separation and catches everything thrown his way, Bech doubles as a physical blocker on the perimeter. That always matters in Sean McVay’s offense.

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Chris Godwin or Cooper Kupp? Who makes more sense for the Bucs

Would the idea of being able to acquire the former Super Bowl MVP be worth looking into if you are the Bucs?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have some tough decisions to make this offseason regarding their roster and its construction. On Monday, a potential twist was added to the decisions they will make in free agency in the coming weeks.

The Los Angeles Rams made the announcement they would be seeking to trade their star wide receiver, Cooper Kupp. Would the idea of being able to acquire the former Super Bowl MVP be worth looking into if you are the Bucs?

The Bucs really found use out of their slot wide receivers in 2024. Early on, Chris Godwin dominated from that position and was off to a career-high pace for the veteran wide receiver. Sadly, his season was cut short with a Week 7 dislocated ankle, landing him on injured reserve.

Where Cooper Kupp comes into the fold is whether the Bucs are better off bringing back Chris Godwin, who is a free agent, or trading for the Rams wide receiver.

Godwin’s projected contract value is set at $20 million on average per year. That much money going to a wide receiver who is turning 29 this month, and coming off a season ending ankle injury, could be a less than ideal idea. Godwin, as we mentioned, is coming off a great start to the season in 2024 which is one argument to be made in that he has plenty left in the tank.

The fan favorite is going to be the obvious choice for Bucs fans, but the front office should see it the same way.

Could Kupp be the cheaper alternative? Mike Garafalo of NFL Media points out that the team that trades for him would be on the hook for $15 million in 2025 and $19.85 million in 2026. That would save the Bucs some money on the surface but Pewter Report throws another wrench into the idea that makes things easier for Jason Licht.

They point out the team woudl actually save money in bringing back Chris Godwin as it frees up money that was tied up in dead cap space. They would structure his deal similar to past ones and spread out the money over the years of it.

When you factor the money into it, and the age gap, this isn’t a tough decision if people try and make the argument for it.

Why are the Rams trading Cooper Kupp? Explaining LA’s decision to part with star WR

The Rams are moving on from Cooper Kupp, seeking to trade him immediately. But why are they parting ways with the star WR?

Rams fans were hit with some shocking news on Monday when Cooper Kupp announced on social media that Los Angeles is seeking to trade him immediately. He didn’t mince words about the decision, saying he doesn’t agree with it, making it clear that he’s “as healthy as ever” and ready to “continue competing for championships.”

While it was always a possibility the Rams would move on from Kupp this offseason after his name was floated in trade rumors three months ago, it doesn’t make this development hurt any less for those who have watched the star receiver make plays in Los Angeles since 2017.

Many have already begun thinking about where Kupp could land, but some are still stuck on one question: why?

Why trade someone who’s been a face of the franchise, a top receiver and a former Super Bowl MVP?

His contract isn’t cheap

As with most decisions like this one, it primarily comes down to money. If Kupp were on a contract worth $5 million a year, there’s little doubt the Rams would keep him. He’s worth more than $5 million just for his leadership qualities and locker room value alone.

But Kupp’s contract is paying him significantly more than that. Like, almost six times that amount.

According to Over The Cap, Kupp’s cap hit in 2025 is $29.78 million. In 2026, the final year of his deal, it’s $27.33 million. That’s $57 million total in the next two years, which is a lot of money for a 31-year-old receiver who just had one of his worst seasons in the NFL.

If the Rams can find a trade partner for Kupp, they’ll save $12.52 million in cap space, lowering his cap number from $29.78 million to $17.26 million in dead money. That’s a significant savings for any team, but especially one that likely needs to re-sign its quarterback this offseason as the Rams do.

He can’t stay healthy

Kupp’s entire career has been marred by injuries and it’s hard to see that ever changing. He’s missed at least one game in six of his eight seasons, including four seasons where he missed at least four games due to injury.

He went into the 2024 season as healthy as he’s ever been, yet he still couldn’t stay on the field. Kupp injured his ankle in Week 2 and missed four games as a result, the latest injury on an ever-growing list of ailments he’s dealt with throughout his time in the NFL. He’s had a hamstring strain, sprained ankle, torn ACL and a wrist injury over the years, so it’s not simply one type of issue that’s caused him to miss time.

Kupp says he’s “as healthy as ever,” which could be true, but there’s no guarantee he’ll remain healthy for a full season – something he hasn’t done since 2021. It’s not his fault, but it’s become the story of his career, unfortunately.

Rams need more variety at wide receiver

Sean McVay said after the Rams’ season ended that they need more versatility on offense. He wasn’t speaking specifically about Kupp, but that notion applies to him and the wide receiver position.

Puka Nacua and Kupp are similar receivers, which is what has made both of them so effective in the Rams offense. But Nacua is the new go-to receiver for Matthew Stafford, doing everything a little bit better than Kupp.

Rather than having two receivers with similar skill sets, the Rams would be wise to add some variety at the position. They need more speed and explosiveness on the outside, and with Kupp playing most of the snaps as a starting receiver, it’s hard to get other players on the field.

By trading Kupp, the Rams will open the door for more variety at wideout alongside Nacua. They can give a speedy receiver more opportunities. They can go after a bigger, more physical jump-ball specialist to complement Nacua’s skill set. They can bring in a smaller, quicker slot receiver.

Bottom line

By no means is this an easy decision for the Rams to make. Kupp has been a fan favorite and a valuable member of the locker room. His chemistry with Stafford is unmatched and the leadership he provides younger receivers like Nacua is immeasurable.

But at this point in his career, Kupp is no longer the player he was once. He’s expensive, often injured and wasn’t having the same impact as usual toward the end of the year. Trading him will hurt, but it’s what the team feels is best moving forward.

Bengals aren’t fit for Cooper Kupp trade — but it keeps getting suggested

The Bengals making a trade with the Rams for Cooper Kupp doesn’t make sense.

While Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins wants to know his long-term fate as soon as possible, outsiders continue to suggest alternatives. 

If the Bengals can’t come to terms on an extension with Higgins while also paying Ja’Marr Chase, they have a bevy of other ways they could attempt to fill the void left by his departure in free agency.

The most prominent example right now making the rounds comes in the wake of the revelation that the Los Angeles Rams are attempting to trade wideout Cooper Kupp.

ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky listed the Bengals as just one of four teams that make sense as a fit for Kupp.

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

To be blunt, the fit doesn’t make a lot of sense. Kupp has a past with Zac Taylor and might be interesting on the same field as Chase.

But the surrounding factors are the issue. On the money front, Kupp would be due $20 million in 2025 and nearly that same number in 2026 — after the Bengals cough up assets to strike the trade (and if he doesn’t want an extension upon arrival).

Kupp is also going on 32 years old in June and hasn’t played a full season since 2021. He played in just 12 games in each of the last two seasons and nine the year before that.

The Bengals just don’t make a habit of paying their own guys over 30 big contracts, let alone somebody else. And if they aren’t bringing back Higgins, they figure to roll the cash spend to another problem area on the roster, not the spot with a historic, top-in-league contract already.

If the Bengals manage to lose Higgins in the coming months, they will probably be looking for more reliable attendance at a more affordable rate. But until the future at wideout becomes clear for the team, suggestions like this will keep making the rounds.

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Around the NFL: Rams intend to trade away WR Cooper Kupp

Around the NFL: Rams intend to trade away WR Cooper Kupp

There truly is no offseason with the NFL, even during Super Bowl Week. On Tuesday, it was announced the Los Angeles Rams have the intention of trading away the MVP of Super Bowl LVI, wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

Who was the one to break this news? Well, Cooper Kupp himself… and he is not thrilled about LA’s intentions. Kupp took to his own personal Twitter account to make his dissatisfaction well known.

Despite the fact the Rams won the NFC West this past season, and are only three years removed from hoisting the Lombardi in their home stadium, they have been in a quasi-rebuild for a while now. Their 2022 season as defined by the fact they went 5-12 and earned the dubious distinction of being literally the worst team in NFL history at defending their title from the previous year. From there, they made the playoffs in both 2023 and 2024, but in each season no one would have considered this LA team good by any reasonable stretch of the imagination.

It is clear the Rams are attempting to find a way to bolster their mediocre roster by trading away arguably the greatest receiver in franchise history. Cooper Kupp – the former Eastern Washington University standout – earned the triple crown of receiving by leading the entire NFL in receptions, receiving touchdowns and receiving yards.

In my estimation, especially as a former Eastern Eagle, this is a rotten way of treating a player of Kupp’s caliber.

Of course, potentially shipping Kupp out of the NFC West must be seen as a positive. The Rams have been an absolute terror with him in the lineup. In 12 career games against the Seahawks, Kupp has 70 receptions for 815 yards and five touchdowns against Seattle. In his last game, a 26-20 overtime victory over the Hawks, Kupp had a series-best 11 receptions for 104 yards.

Under Sean McVay, Los Angeles will always be difficult to compete against. They are a perpetual matchup nightmare when it comes to Seattle. But having Kupp out of the lineup will be one less headache to deal with when it comes to the Seahawks’ Achilles Heel.

On a side note… as a former classmate of Cooper Kupp’s, I sure hope Seattle finds a way to bring the former MVP to the Emerald City. It is unlikely, yes, but Kupp would fill a need… especially since it is increasingly doubtful that Tyler Lockett will return for the 2025 season.

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How 49ers can get in the mix as NFC West rival parts with star WR

Cooper Kupp in red and gold?

Bringing in additional depth at wide receiver won’t be at the top of the list of offseason priorities for the San Francisco 49ers, but it’s certainly something that should be on their radar while they navigate some of their bigger-ticket issues.

While it’s not a spot they’ll be looking to make a major splash, if the Los Angeles Rams wind up letting go of wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the 49ers should be first in line to try and lure him to the Bay Area.

Kupp announced via Twitter (currently X) that the Rams intend to trade him this offseason. While that may be their goal, there’s no guarantee the 32-year-old who has played in 33 games the last three years will fetch much in the trade market. Los Angeles may wind up releasing the WR, something the Rams Wire managing editor Cam DaSilva mentioned is on the table for the Rams this offseason:

Cutting Kupp might be the simplest and likeliest option for the Rams. That doesn’t mean it’d be easy to do, but it’s often what decisions like this come down to.

Unfortunately, it’s also the worst option financially for the Rams because they would only save $7.52 million by cutting Kupp before June 1. Even as a post-June 1 cut, they’d save $15 million, but only because his total dead cap charge of $22.26 million would be split between the next two years instead of all coming in 2025.

There’s certainly some risk that comes with acquiring Kupp. San Francisco’s hopes of adding him via trade are close to nil given that they’re in the same division as the Rams.

Even if he’s released, the risk of adding him might just be enough to turn the 49ers off to the idea entirely. However, San Francisco would be aiming to utilize Kupp in a lower-volume way that may help him stay healthier.

Despite playing in only 33 games the last three years Kupp has still amassed 293 targets in that stretch, or 8.9 per game. For comparison, the 49ers target leaders the last three years have racked up 332 targets (6.9 per game) in 48 total games.

In eight seasons Kupp has posted 7,776 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns on 664 receptions. He was the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year after winning the wide receiver triple crown, leading the league in catches, yards and touchdowns.

Kupp is an outstanding route runner and blocker who is capable of playing multiple positions in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, so the fit would be seamless while helping bolster a 49ers receiving corps that is suddenly littered with question marks.

Perhaps Kupp will be unaffordable if he hits the open market. He may even be averse to joining the Rams’ division rival. Either way, if the Rams are unable to trade Kupp and release him instead, the 49ers should be first in line to try and land him.

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