The Los Angeles Rams made the difficult decision to release franchise icon Cooper Kupp at the start of the new league year.
They tried to trade him but were unable to do so, following through with his release to avoid paying his roster bonus that was due on Wednesday. It also allows Kupp to choose his next destination as a free agent, which is something he has earned for all of his contributions to the organization.
While Kupp’s play has declined in recent years due to injuries, his 2021 season is arguably the best year ever for a wide receiver and will not be soon forgotten. Not only did he win the receiving Triple Crown, but he was also exceptional in the playoffs and took home Super Bowl MVP.
Kupp will forever be a Rams legend, and the organization gave him a proper tribute after announcing his release:
A pillar of this franchise and community. There will never be another like No. 10. pic.twitter.com/67isYdQFcz
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) March 12, 2025
Kupp also took to social media to post his own video celebrating his time with the Rams:
Eight years of incredible memories.
We talked often about the Rams being back in LA and how we would grow to be something special here. And there was frustration early on around getting the buy in from the people of LA.
But we knew at the end of the day, it’s about providing… pic.twitter.com/QhW9oihGeT
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) March 12, 2025
Kupp clearly still feels he has a lot left in the tank, so it will be interesting to see where he lands in free agency. The 31-year-old is expected to draw a lot of interest coming off a season in which he played in 12 games and 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.”
