Post-Rams Reset: Top Landing Spots and Trade Value for Veteran WR Cooper Kupp

Post-Rams Reset: Top Landing Spots and Trade Value for Veteran WR Cooper Kupp

The Los Angeles Rams’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster, defying early expectations and securing a playoff berth. However, beneath the surface of their success, significant changes are brewing. One of the most notable is the departure of veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp, a Super Bowl LVI MVP, signaling a new era for the Rams. After failing to find a trade partner, the Rams released Kupp on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025. This move comes despite head coach Sean McVay previously stating he “would never speak in absolutes” about Kupp’s potential return.

The End of an Era in Los Angeles

Cooper Kupp’s journey with the Rams has been nothing short of remarkable. Drafted in the third round in 2017, Kupp developed into one of the league’s most productive and reliable receivers. His peak season in 2021 was historic, as he achieved the receiving triple crown, leading the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and receiving touchdowns (16). This performance culminated in a Super Bowl victory and the Super Bowl LVI MVP award.

However, the NFL is a business, and the Rams are facing salary cap realities. The 2025 NFL salary cap is set at a record high of $279.2 million per team, a substantial increase from previous years. Despite this, the Rams are navigating a complex cap situation, with OverTheCap.com estimating their cap space to be around $44 million. Releasing Kupp creates $15 million in cap space, with dead cap hits of $14.78M in 2025 and $7.48M in 2026.

General Manager Les Snead acknowledged the difficulty of parting ways with Kupp, stating that a return to the Rams would be the “least likely” scenario. Kupp himself expressed his disappointment, stating, “I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.” However, he also affirmed his motivation to continue competing for championships.

Potential Landing Spots for Cooper Kupp

Now a free agent, Cooper Kupp has garnered significant interest from teams across the league. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that “at least a dozen teams” have expressed interest in the eight-year veteran. Several factors make Kupp an attractive addition, including his experience, route-running expertise, and proven ability to perform in critical situations.

Here are some of the top potential landing spots for Cooper Kupp:

  1. New England Patriots: The Patriots have a glaring need for a reliable receiver to support their young quarterback, Drake Maye. Kupp’s veteran presence and ability to work the slot would provide Maye with a dependable target. The Patriots also have ample cap space to offer Kupp a competitive contract. In 2024, the Patriots’ leading receiver, Demario Douglas, had 621 yards across 17 games, while Kupp had 710 yards in 12 games.

  2. Seattle Seahawks: After releasing Tyler Lockett and trading DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Seahawks are in dire need of receiving talent. Kupp, a Washington native, would be a natural fit in Seattle, complementing Jaxon Smith-Njigba and providing a reliable target for new quarterback Sam Darnold.

  3. Denver Broncos: The Broncos, led by second-year quarterback Bo Nix, could benefit from Kupp’s experience and savvy. With Courtland Sutton as the only proven receiver on the roster, Kupp would provide Nix with a valuable security blanket and a mentor in the passing game. The Broncos also signed tight end Evan Engram to a two-year, $23M deal.

  4. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have a need for a reliable receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb. The new wide receivers coach for the Dallas Cowboys, Junior Adams, was Cooper Kupp’s wide receivers coach at Eastern Washington.

  5. Tennessee Titans: If the Titans draft a quarterback, adding Kupp would be a smart move, especially with $44 million in cap space. Tennessee has only Calvin Ridley as a legitimate threat on the outside, and acquiring Kupp would give a rookie quarterback somewhat of a security blanket underneath.

Kupp’s Trade Value

Determining Cooper Kupp’s trade value is a complex task, considering his age (32), recent injury history, and contract situation. While he is no longer the dominant force he was in 2021, Kupp remains a valuable asset.

Several factors influence Kupp’s trade value:

  • Age and Injury History: Kupp’s age and recent injury struggles will likely temper potential offers. He has missed significant time over the past three seasons, impacting his production. Since his historic 2021 campaign, Kupp has averaged 67 catches, 753 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns in an average of 11 games played.
  • Contract: Kupp is due $20 million in 2025 and $19.85 million in 2026. Any acquiring team would inherit these salaries unless a renegotiation occurs.
  • Market Demand: The demand for Kupp’s services will ultimately determine his trade value. Several teams are in need of a veteran receiver, which could drive up the price.

Recent trades of receivers past their prime, such as DeAndre Hopkins and Julio Jones, suggest that Kupp’s trade value could be a second-round pick. However, his injury history and contract situation could lower that value to a third or fourth-round pick.

The Road Ahead

Cooper Kupp’s departure marks a significant turning point for the Los Angeles Rams. While his contributions to the team’s Super Bowl run will never be forgotten, the Rams are clearly focused on building for the future.

For Kupp, the next chapter of his career promises to be intriguing. Several teams offer compelling opportunities for him to contribute and compete for championships. Ultimately, his decision will likely hinge on finding the right fit, both on and off the field.