The first major domino of the Los Angeles Rams’ offseason has fallen, with Cooper Kupp announcing that the team will attempt to trade him in the coming weeks.
Kupp made it clear that he wanted to finish his career with the Rams, but a drop in production, inability to stay healthy and big contract forced the franchise to go in a different direction.
The 31-year-old made a big impact on several players during his time with the Rams, including Puka Nacua, who quickly established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
Nacua said he wouldn’t be the player he is today without Kupp and thanked him for all of the knowledge that he passed down to him, via the “Up & Adams” show:
“I feel like I’ve been spoiled, I’ve been blessed to be able to have Cooper Kupp be my mentor. 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.”
Nacua said that Kupp broke the news of the Rams intending to trade him to the rest of the team’s wide receivers before announcing it on social media:
“He reached out to our receiver group chat before the news had broke and just seeing it on social media. 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?’”
Kupp has been with the Rams for eight seasons and is one of the most respected leaders in the locker room. He has an excellent work ethic, which is something that the younger players try to emulate.
Jordan Whittington, who is coming off an impressive rookie season with the Rams, had similar praise for Kupp and appreciates all that he did for him.
Cooper Kupp’s outlook for 2025 season
Cooper Kupp, who will be 32 next season, confirmed that he is planning to play in 2025. He has two years remaining on his contract, with $5 million guaranteed in 2025.
If the Rams can’t trade him and opt to cut him this offseason, they will save about $7.52 million against the salary cap.
