It became clear early in the offseason that the Los Angeles Rams would be moving on from franchise icon Cooper Kupp after he announced the organization’s intention to trade him.
While it’s unfortunate to see Kupp go after everything he’s done for the team since being drafted in the third round in 2017 out of Eastern Washington, the Rams feel it’s best to part ways now and save a little money in the process.
Because of Kupp’s contract though, which has two years and cap hits of $29.8 million and $27.3 million, trading him has not been as easy task.
Kupp has a $7.5 million roster bonus due at the start of the new league year, so instead of paying that, the Rams are cutting the star wide receiver, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network:
The #Rams tried to trade Cooper Kupp, who announced he was on the way out of L.A. during Super Bowl week. But with no one willing to give up compensation and take on the $20 million Kupp was due on his contract, the team will let him officially hit free agency. https://t.co/mn1LB7nVOT
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2025
This was always the likely scenario if the Rams were unable to trade Kupp, especially after they decided to bring in Davante Adams in free agency to essentially replace him.
With the Rams releasing Kupp and designating it as a post-June 1 cut, the dead cap charge will be $14.78 million in 2025 and $7.48 million in 2026. They added $15 million in cap space that can be used after June 1.
As Kupp now hits free agency for the first time in his career, he is expected to garner a lot of interest with the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots among the teams looking for help at wide receiver.
While he may not be the triple crown receiver he once was, Kupp still has some juice left in the tank as in 12 games for the Rams last season, he hauled in 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns.
Sean McVay on what Cooper Kupp means to him
Cooper Kupp’s rookie season coincided with the Rams bringing in Sean McVay, and the head coach discussed what the receiver has meant to his career.
“I’m a better human, I’m a better coach, I’m a better person because of my relationship and the influence Cooper Kupp’s had on me,” McVay said. “His legacy in my life and as a Ram is cemented forever. And we’ve had to have some honest conversations. And here’s the reality, too. I think you always preface it with, you have a responsibility to the collective and it doesn’t mean you’re right. I’ve been wrong before, I’ll be wrong again. Doesn’t change my love, my appreciation, my gratitude for everything that he’s meant.”
