The Los Angeles Rams are set to part ways with one of the most productive wide receivers in franchise history, Cooper Kupp. The Rams are going to release Kupp at the start of the new league year on March 12 if they fail to find a trade partner. This deal signals the end of an era since Kupp has been a staple of Sean McVay’s offense for eight years, culminating in a Super Bowl championship. While Kupp has gone public with his disappointment with the deal, he is determined to move on and continue his career elsewhere while competing for titles.
A Franchise Icon On His Way Out
After a record-breaking 2021 season, Kupp signed a three-year, $80.1 million extension, yet injuries and salary cap constraints have made it necessary for the Rams to rethink his future. Kupp’s contract is set to count nearly $30 million against the cap in 2025, and since his guaranteed money is at just $5 million. The Rams see this as an opportunity to shed salary and part ways. If cut, the team will realize $7.52 million in cap savings while absorbing a significant amount of dead money.
The recent signing of Davante Adams to an extension is another sign that the Rams are willing to reshape their receiving corps, which leaves Kupp as the odd man out. Kupp’s departure from the Rams is a bittersweet one, given his lengthy stay with the team. A third-round selection from Eastern Washington in 2017, he was an immediate contributor as a reliable target for Jared Goff and then Matthew Stafford.
Throughout his career, Kupp built a reputation for his route-running, intelligence, and quarterback chemistry that culminated in one of the finest single seasons in NFL history for a receiver. Despite having missed 18 games over the past three seasons, his legacy is cemented in Los Angeles. He will be highly sought after by teams around the league when he hits the open market.
Cooper Kupp’s Historic Stint With the Rams
Kupp’s peak was the 2021 season, where he captured the elusive receiving triple crown, leading the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and receiving touchdowns (16). This record-breaking season earned him NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors and placed him as one of the greatest wide receiver seasons in NFL history. His postseason run was equally impressive, as he led all receivers in catches, yards, and touchdowns. The climax was in Super Bowl LVI, as he caught the game-winning touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, earning MVP honors and cementing his place in Rams history.
Beyond his statistical superiority, Kupp’s impact on the Rams extended to his leadership and football IQ. He was the hub of McVay’s offense, operating precise routes and being the go-to target for Stafford. Even when injuries curbed his production in the following years, Kupp remained a valuable presence, averaging 67 receptions, 753 yards, and 6 touchdowns per season despite limited availability. His decline in production in 2024, averaging a career-low 59.2 receiving yards per game, was likely a consideration for the Rams in letting him go. His contributions to the franchise will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next For Kupp?
As Kupp prepares to begin the second chapter of his career, he’ll likely seek out a team with a good quarterback and postseason aspirations. No longer the same big-play threat from his 2021 season, he still possesses elite hands, route running, and football intelligence that makes him an attractive option for contending teams seeking a veteran presence.
Super Bowl contenders such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, or Baltimore Ravens could be ideal landing spots. With a reasonable contract and the ambition to prove he still has plenty left in the tank, Kupp’s NFL career is far from over. His next destination could be a deciding factor in whether or not he’ll have the opportunity to chase another championship ring.
