Wide receiver Cooper Kupp released a statement Monday saying he was informed by the Los Angeles Rams that the team is seeking to trade him "immediately."
The former All-Pro is coming off a campaign in which he caught 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. It was the third straight season that Kupp, who will turn 32 in June, missed time due to injury, with 18 total games lost since 2022 -- even so, the veteran totaled over 700 receiving yards and at least five TD catches in each of the past three seasons. Kupp has played a full regular-season slate just twice in his eight years with Los Angeles, most recently in 2021, when he won the NFL's receiving triple crown and helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI.
Kupp's contract will no doubt play a factor in any prospective trade, as he is due $20 million in 2025 and $19.85 million in 2026, per NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo. But in terms of roster fit, there are several intriguing possible landing spots for the veteran heading into the 2025 NFL season.
So, with the Rams looking to move their longtime receiver, we asked our analysts to answer the following question:
What is the best trade destination for Cooper Kupp?
The Washington Commanders struck gold with Jayden Daniels in Year 1. Now it’s time to keep giving him weapons to put this team in position to make another run at the NFC championship. Terry McLaurin is a great talent at receiver. Washington needs more than that for this offense to keep evolving. The Commanders are projected to have a ton of cap space, so they can handle Kupp’s contract. They also have the understanding that the team that beat them in the NFC Championship Game, the Philadelphia Eagles, reside with them in the NFC East. It won’t be easy for the Commanders to again go as far as they did in 2024, but adding Kupp will make that goal much more attainable.
Kupp’s grit, toughness and championship pedigree make him an ideal fit for DeMeco Ryans’ rising program and the Texans’ new offense. The former triple-crown winner would re-team with recently hired offensive coordinator Nick Caley, with whom Kupp spent the past two seasons in L.A., giving the first-time play-caller a familiar face and respected leader to help establish his scheme. Not only would Kupp serve as a sure-handed option for C.J. Stroud in the passing game, but his willingness and proficiency as a blocker would provide a boost to the run game, as well. And with Stefon Diggs and Robert Woods due to hit free agency and Tank Dell still recovering from his serious leg injury, the 31-year-old former Super Bowl MVP could be just the veteran voice the Texans’ young WR room needs to help them, and the team overall, better contend with the conference’s heavyweights next season.
The Baltimore Ravens have a history of bringing in big-name stars who are on the back end of their careers (SEE: Steve Smith Sr. and DeSean Jackson). Kupp would join the Ravens offense as the third or fourth receiving option -- behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman -- which is ideal at Kupp's age. Lamar Jackson would greatly benefit from having a sure-handed Kupp in the middle of the field. Kupp's salary could make it hard for Baltimore to acquire him, but I love the on-field fit.
If you can't beat him … acquire him? Bengals fans might flinch at trading for Kupp, the Super Bowl LVI MVP who, along with Aaron Donald, sent Cincy home without a Lombardi three seasons ago. But with Tee Higgins possibly out the door and 2024 third-rounder Jermaine Burton already on the roster bubble, the Bengals are in need of a sure-handed WR to pair with Ja'Marr Chase and hold things down for Joe Burrow. Higgins played on a $21.8 million tag in 2024 and would be owed over $25 million if tagged again in 2025. Barring an extension for Higgins that lowers that number (unlikely), Kupp is a cheaper option with less long-term upside but comparable production and availability in the immediate future.
The Bills make a lot of sense. They have been among the AFC's elite for years and could use an offensive veteran to help get them over the Super Bowl hump. Kupp fits the Buffalo mold as a gritty, dependable receiver with postseason experience. With Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins heading to free agency, Kupp would be a perfect complement to young receivers Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman in the passing attack. Plus, he's a willing blocker in the run game.
There has already been change in Jacksonville this offseason with the hiring of new head coach Liam Coen, and there's a chance the team moves on from Christian Kirk. Kupp would be a great replacement in the slot working alongside Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis. Plus, Kupp's leadership skills will undoubtedly help build the culture under the new regime.
