NFL: Rams Seeking Trade Partner For Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp

"I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA," he said.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp running with a football.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp announced in a statement on February 3rd that LA will be “seeking a trade immediately” for the former Super Bowl MVP. In his social media post, Kupp explained that he doesn’t “agree with the decision” and that he always thought he would be a member of the Rams.

“I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA,” Kupp said. “Still, if there’s one thing that I have learned over the years: there are so many things that are out of your control, but it is how you respond to these things that you will look back on and remember.”

His best season with Los Angeles came in 2021 when he led the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and receiving touchdowns (16). That was the same year that Kupp helped the Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals to win Super Bowl LVI. He caught eight passes in that game for 92 yards and two TDs.

If he never plays another down for LA, then he finishes his Rams career with 634 catches for 7,776 receiving yards, and 57 touchdown receptions. Kupp ranks third in franchise history in receptions and TD catches and fourth in receiving yards.

Who are the best suitors for Cooper Kupp?

Unlike Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Cooper Kupp didn’t specify that he wanted to be traded to a team looking to win now. That means the only thing the Rams really need to look for in a trade partner is open cap space.

The New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders are two teams right off the bat that Kupp would be a good fit for. Both of those franchises are currently in the middle of a rebuild, so there won’t be intense pressure for Kupp to thrive right away or for him to push himself if he suffers an injury (he has only played one full season in his seven-year career). The Pats and Raiders have the finances necessary to take on Kupp’s $57.1 million cap hit over the next two years. Also, Kupp can be a mentor to receivers as well as a reliable pass catcher for Vegas and New England’s young QBs.

If Kupp would rather play for a Super Bowl contender, he could just stay in LA and suit up for the Chargers. The Bolts will have the fifth-most cap space in the NFL next year, and they need to bring in some additional support for Ladd McConkey, who exploded for nine catches, 197 receiving yards, and a touchdown in his playoff debut.

The Denver Broncos could make a trade for Cooper Kupp work, but they would have to probably send a player back to LA to free up enough cap space to make the deal viable. Denver needs a veteran presence in its receiver room to play opposite Courtland Sutton. Also, only three wideouts caught passes in the Broncos’ 31-7 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, so Denver clearly needs to add some pass-catchers in the off-season.

The Green Bay Packers are another team that could benefit from Kupp’s services. Green Bay lacks a true number-one receiving threat, and Kupp could immediately be that guy for the Packers.

At the end of the day, the Los Angeles Rams are going to do what’s best for their franchise. If that means shipping Kupp away to the Titans or Browns for better draft capital, then that’s what ends up happening. Knowing how much respect LA has for Kupp though, I expect him to be traded to an AFC team that is ready to contend for a Super Bowl right now.

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