Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp took to social media to reveal that he’s been informed that the team plans on trading him this offseason. It was always the expected outcome this offseason. Kupp’s scheduled cap charge for 2025 is a bloated $29.7 million. That’s an unmanageable amount.
I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) February 4, 2025
Still, if there’s… pic.twitter.com/XWmbGVscGy
Unless Kupp's contract is renegotiated, the inheriting organization would absorb his $20 million salary in 2025 and $19.85 million in 2026. This is a sizable investment in an aging wideout and will drastically impact the capital the Rams receive in return for him. A third-round selection may be the best-case scenario for Rams general manager Les Snead.
Kupp was effective but not spectacular throughout 2024. The former Eastern Washington standout recorded 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns. Kupp is still a high-level weapon. We've identified three potential landing spots.
Baltimore Ravens
Kupp's statement indicates that the Rams will work with him to find a desirable location. A contender like the Baltimore Ravens will surely appear on Kupp's shortlist. The interest should be mutual, as the Ravens are looking to add more pass-catchers to their offense this offseason.
The Ravens showed interest in diversifying their offense by trading for Diontae Johnson at the deadline. That deal backfired miserably, but general manager Eric DeCosta should take another swing. The Ravens need to pass the ball more with more success in the postseason if they’re to get past the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs. Dropped passes were an issue throughout their divisional round defeat to the Bills. Adding Kupp to an offense with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry would make Todd Monken's unit harder to defend.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are hiring a new general manager after appointing Liam Coen as head coach. It's been a messy offseason in Duval, but the Florida-based franchise appears satisfied with the final outcome. Hiring Coen is all about getting franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence trending back in the right direction.
Brian Thomas Jr. is a budding superstar, but the Jaguars may part ways with Christian Kirk this offseason, creating a need for alternative options. The Gabe Davis acquisition hasn't panned out either. Coen possesses direct ties to Kupp, having coached him for four seasons (2018-20, 2022), including a stint as his assistant wide receivers coach. Kupp could be interested in reuniting with Coen, who has earned the title of offensive genius after what he did with Baker Mayfield in Tampa.
Los Angeles Chargers
Kupp may be interested in continuing his playing career in California. The Rams would be pleased that the Los Angeles Chargers play in the AFC, which could be a win-win situation for all parties involved.
The Chargers qualified for the postseason but were embarrassed in the wild-card round. Quarterback Justin Herbert needs another passing-game outlet opposite Ladd McConkey. Perhaps the Chargers will think Kupp and McConkey are too similar, but offensive coordinator Greg Roman needs to field a more balanced offense. Roman's offense was fifth-last in passing attempts. Kupp would be another security blanket.
