What does Rams drafting Van Jefferson mean for Kupp, Reynolds?

Both Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds will be free agents in 2021.

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When the Rams traded away Brandin Cooks, it opened up an opportunity for Josh Reynolds to take over as the No. 3 receiver. Sean McVay called it a “big vote of confidence” for Reynolds, showing some faith in the fourth-year receiver as a potential starter.

Then the Rams went and selected Van Jefferson with the 57th overall pick, taking him over the likes of Denzel Mims, who Los Angeles was said to be among the teams most interested in. So what does this pick mean for Reynolds?

It’s certainly not good news for his future in L.A., nor is it going to do Cooper Kupp any favors.

Both Reynolds and Kupp will be free agents in 2021 and neither is certain to return to the Rams. It would seem obvious that the Rams would re-sign Kupp, who emerged as a well-rounded receiver last season, but that’s not a given.

The team already has large commitments made to Jared Goff, Aaron Donald and soon to be Jalen Ramsey. Signing Kupp to an extension that will likely put him among the highest-paid at his position won’t be an easy task for L.A.

It also bears mentioning that Jefferson is a similar player to Kupp, with Daniel Jeremiah comparing the Florida product to the Rams receiver. Might the Rams feel the same way?

Jefferson is a steady receiver who does just about everything well, similar to the way Kupp and Robert Woods play. He can line up at any wide receiver spot and succeed, using his route-running savvy to win one-on-one.

Kupp’s role won’t be impacted in 2020, but Reynolds’ certainly will. Jefferson will undoubtedly eat into his snaps, with both players likely splitting snaps as the No. 3 receiver. Furthermore, the Rams are expected to use their tight ends more, which will limit each receiver’s playing time.

With four quality wideouts in the mix, Jared Goff will have no shortage of options on offense. But at the same time, Reynolds’ future in L.A. is up in the air as his time in horns is likely coming to an end after this season.