The Los Angeles Rams have decided to trade Cooper Kupp in the offseason. The 31-year-old wide receiver still has two years left on his contract, but the NFC West franchise is looking to get younger and go all in with Puka Nacua.
Multiple teams should be interested in trading for Kupp as, despite his injuries, he is still a difference-maker and could help any team become a Super Bowl contender with his veteran leadership and experience.
49ers Fans React to the Rams Making Cooper Kupp Available
Although the Rams’ chances of trading the star receiver to a division rival are close to zero, the San Francisco 49ers’ fans still recruited Kupp on social media once he announced that he would be leaving Los Angeles.
Here’s how some of them reacted on X (formerly known as Twitter):
triple crown come on down https://t.co/2dIowJKf3q
— fox (@yxxof) February 4, 2025
“WELCOME TO SAN FRANCISCO COOPER KUPP,” said a fan.
“Cooper Kupp would fit nice with the Niners,” added one fan.
The #49ers will send a limo for Cooper Kupp to drive him out of the NFC West. Although they contained him well during the regular season, (Kupp 2-8 in 10 regular season games 55 rec. 558 yds. 3 TDs), he crushed San Francisco for 11 catches for 142 yards and 2 TDs in the NFC title… https://t.co/pNxJOuPlab
— John Lund (@JohnLundRadio) February 4, 2025
“Cooper Kupp and Myles Garrett will be on the 49ers by August,” wrote a fan.
“Kyle [Shanahan] and Cooper Kupp would do good things, I have no doubt, but the Rams would never let the 49ers have him,” said another fan.
JOHN LYNCH PLEASE WAKE UP COOPER KUPP IS ON THE MOVE!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/efCEwGcM0F
— victoria! ~ 49ers (6-11) (@VictoriaVan15) February 4, 2025
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, any team that would trade for Kupp would have to pay the receiver $20 million in 2025 and $19.85 million in 2026 as his salary. However, this number can be trimmed if the former Super Bowl MVP agrees to restructure his contract.
In 2022, Kupp signed a three-year, $80.1 million contract extension with the Rams, and many believed he would finish his career in Los Angeles. However, Nacua’s ascension has allowed the franchise to cash in on its aging receiver and get some draft assets in return.
The 49ers are projected to have $50.35 million in cap space for next season. It is still unlikely that the Rams would trade Kupp to San Francisco, but if they do, the five-time Super Bowl champions could part ways with Deebo Samuel Sr. Having Ricky Pearsall, Brandon Aiyuk, Samuel, and Kupp on the same team doesn’t make much sense, given the 49ers have to invest in other positions.
Dan Orlovsky, PFN’s Jason Katz List Landing Spots for Kupp
Kupp has missed a total of 18 games since winning the Super Bowl with the Rams. He has dealt with numerous ankle injuries and might not play in the league once his contract runs out.
Pro Football Network’s Jason Katz listed the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, New England Patriots, and Buffalo Bills as options.
All four are in need of further WR help and could pursue the position in the 2025 NFL Draft, though if they want a safer, veteran option, Kupp could be of value even at his age and price tag.
Former Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky also provided four potential landing spots for Kupp after the star receiver announced his departure from the Rams. Here are those four teams:
- Cincinnati Bengals
- San Francisco 49ers
- Denver Broncos
- Houston Texans
The Bengals could look to replace Tee Higgins with Kupp, as the latter will be a much cheaper option and could be impactful alongside Ja’Marr Chase. The Texans making a move for the veteran wideout also makes sense as they need receivers due to Tank Dell’s injury and Stefon Diggs’ uncertain future, as he will be a free agent.
The Broncos need playmakers on offense to help Bo Nix, and even if they are not a legitimate Super Bowl contender, making a move for Kupp will help their emerging quarterback. All four teams look like exciting landing spots for the Rams star, so it will be intriguing to see how that situation plays out.
