Sep 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp posted to social media on Monday evening that he was informed by the team that they’ll be seeking a trade for him.
Kupp will turn 32 years old before the start of the next NFL season, and he’s currently under contract on a massive $80 million deal that runs through 2027, but it sounds like he’ll be moving on from Los Angeles to start the 2025 campaign.
The Rams might need to pay some of this salary in order for a trade to be appealing. Here are a few top trade candidates that could use Kupp’s services.
Cincinnati Bengals
Mar 9, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow watches the fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Gilbert Burns during UFC 299 at Kayesa Center. credits: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Many NFL fans would look to the Pittsburgh Steelers as the AFC North team most desperate to trade for Kupp, but hear us out.
Cincinnati is going to find a way to extend Tee Higgins this offseason. Pairing Higgins with superstars Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow is already enough to make opposing defenses shake in their boots. Adding a slot receiver like Kupp to the mix would make great sense for Cincinnati, especially if the Rams are willing to eat some of that contract.
New England Patriots
Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) warms up before the start of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images The Patriots are going to be better in Year 2 of Drake Maye as the franchise quarterback, especially with new head coach Mike Vrabel at the helm.
We know how much the Patriots value their culture—and there’s arguably no bigger “team guy” at the receiver position than Kupp. They’ve had tremendous success with aging slot receivers, so perhaps Kupp could become Maye’s Julian Edelman.
New England is unlikely to use the No. 4 overall pick on a receiver, unless you believe that Colorado’s Travis Hunter will be able to contribute on both sides of the ball right away—which is wildly unlikely. Letting their draft pick contribute to Vrabel’s defense while leaning on a veteran like Kupp makes a lot of sense.
Houston Texans
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) meets with Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) after a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images The Texans tried everything at the receiver spot last year, most notably trading for Stefon Diggs, who had his season cut short and will now test free agency.
Star youngster Tank Dell obliterated his knee in Houston’s playoff loss against the Kansas City Chiefs and is unfortunately going to miss all of next season. The Texans could continue to take swings at receiver and trade for Kupp, who could turn into a reliable option as C.J. Stroud looks to bounce back.
Chicago Bears
Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images The Bears are in “do everything to make Caleb Williams work” mode, and that was made true when they hired Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach.
But what did Johnson have during his tenure with the Lions? A lot of playmakers. The Bears, to their credit, tried the veteran receiver thing with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen trades the last two offseasons.
Can Ryan Poles pull off a trade for one more veteran to help his rookie quarterback?
