The Los Angeles Rams are expected to part ways with Cooper Kupp this offseason after an impressive career that spanned eight years.
The star wide receiver announced 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 the franchise has seemingly decided 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 has already established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
Nacua praised Kupp for the leadership he provided and hopes to follow in his footsteps during the 2025 season, via PFT Live:
“I think our leaders especially on the offensive side, what a leader Matthew Stafford has been for our offense and all the young guys on our offense and to have veteran guys come back later in the season. Like Tyler Higbee and the influence, they play in the locker room and how the meetings go and how everyone interacts with each other. That is what it comes down to in December games and how well you can communicate in big-time moments. To be a leader, I am excited to put those things into place and follow the model he [Kupp] kind of set in the Rams organization.”
During his time with the Rams, Kupp emerged as 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.
Nacua is particularly close with Kupp as the two train together every offseason. The 23-year-old previously said that he wouldn’t be the player he is today without Kupp.
Rams hoping to receive 4th-round draft pick in Cooper Kupp trade
Kupp, who will be 32 next season, has two years remaining on his contract, with $5 million guaranteed in 2025. If the Rams choose to just cut him this offseason, they will save about $7.52 million against the salary cap.
However, the Rams are said to be hoping to get back a fourth-round draft pick in a potential trade for Kupp by paying down some of his salary.
The Los Angeles Chargers were in a similar situation last year with their star wide receiver Keenan Allen. Needing to get under the salary cap, they ultimately traded him to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick.
