Cooper Kupp, a veteran wide receiver, disclosed on social media Monday that the Rams are looking to trade for him.
The 31-year-old stated on his X account that Los Angeles “would seek a trade immediately,” but did not “agree with the decision.” Kupp expressed a desire to begin and conclude his career in Los Angeles, but also stated that he is “highly motivated” for the next stage.
Kupp was selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. He was the second draft pick under Sean McVay and won a Super Bowl with the team in 2022. Kupp has the most scrimmage yards of any wide receiver in a single season. The player, who will turn 32 this summer, plans to continue playing with a new squad.
Every club in the NFL would benefit from adding Kupp to its depth chart. With that in mind, these are the optimal landing areas for the star receiver.
Top trade options for Cooper Kupp include the Detroit Lions.
We’re entering the 2025 offseason, so expect a lot of movement in the next months. There will be a plethora of free-agent wide receivers on the market, but few will have achieved the numbers Kupp has.
The Lions’ offence was one of the finest in the NFL this season. Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator, invented bizarre strategies to defeat opponents. Detroit was noted for its rushing offence, which featured the two-headed monster of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
The Lions are content with pass-catchers between WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta. But take a moment to consider the offence with Kupp in it. Defences would struggle to prepare for all of Detroit’s weapons. The Lions need to replace both of their coordinators, but they are still in win-now mode. This decision might mean the difference between another early playoff departure and the team’s first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
Pittsburgh Steelers
When a wide receiver becomes available, Pittsburgh is the first location people assume he should be dealt to. The Steelers wanted another great wide receiver to partner with George Pickens for the 2024 season, but they didn’t find anyone. Pickens demonstrated that he can be spectacular yet unpredictable, as the Steelers failed to move the ball down the stretch.
Pickens is a player to keep an eye on as a trade candidate, since he is becoming a headache for the organisation owing to a lack of maturity on and off the pitch. Regardless of the team’s plans for Pickens, Pittsburgh would be an excellent fit for Kupp. He would thrive in the slot, even though the Steelers do not have a quarterback lined up for next season.
Buffalo Bills
Do you know what would be fun? Taking perennial MVP candidate Josh Allen and adding Kupp to his arsenal.
The wide receiver would also work well with second-year WR Keon Coleman. Coleman’s athleticism allows him to be more physical on contested catches, although both have outstanding speed. Kupp would benefit from having a mobile quarterback under centre because he could change his route as Allen scrambled and try to find an outlet.
Buffalo must continue to strive to solve the problem posed by the Chiefs dynasty. Kupp should likely help even the odds and give them a stronger opportunity of defeating their opponents in the playoffs.
Colorado Broncos
Everyone was concerned about the Broncos’ 2024 season because of the dead cap hit the team suffered after losing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. Denver used a first-round pick on Bo Nix, with the expectation that it would be a rebuilding year for the organisation. Then the Broncos went 10-7 and advanced to the playoffs.
The Nix era got off to a strong start, and the Broncos now have more roster options. There’s a lot to appreciate about Nix, with Courtland Sutton as his primary objective. If the Broncos sign Kupp, it would help the quarterback take the next step. The veteran would assist Nix and Sutton in their development, as well as young wide outs Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele. Denver needed to do something to close the gap between the team and Kansas City, and this move does that.
Cincinnati Bengals
Tee Higgins is expected to leave the Bengals and enter free agency. This leaves a margin behind Ja’Marr Chase. Kupp would make an excellent addition to the offence. Cincinnati would still need to improve the offensive line, but pairing Kupp with Chase would immediately put the Bengals back in competition for the AFC North and the AFC as a whole.
Cooper Kupp’s contract
Kupp has been under contract for four years. He is predicted to earn $20 million in 2025 and $19.85 million in 2026. Kupp’s 2025 salary consists of a $7.5 million roster bonus due in March and a $12.5 million basic salary. His roster bonus is completely guaranteed.