Although the NFL playoffs are still going on, the offseason is already buzzing with speculation, and Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has added a new storyline for football fans to keep an eye on.
With the Los Angeles Rams’ future looking murky following their narrow 28-22 Divisional Round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Bourne made a surprising public pitch to recruit Rams superstar wide receiver Cooper Kupp to New England.
Kendrick Bourne’s Message to Cooper Kupp
Bourne’s playful message came amid increasing uncertainty surrounding Kupp’s status with the Rams. The veteran receiver, who led the NFL in receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions during the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning 2021 season, now faces a potentially pivotal offseason.
Bourne’s pitch to Kupp was straightforward when he quoted a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) about Kupp’s future: “Come to NE, @CooperKupp. We’ll take care of u lol all the targets!”
Come to NE @CooperKupp we’ll take care of u lol all the targets! https://t.co/9qTduw3Yr4
— Kendrick Bourne Poly (@BournePoly11) January 21, 2025
Kupp’s Uncertain Rams Future
The Rams’ heartbreaking 28-22 loss to the Eagles may have marked the end of an era for Los Angeles. While many expected the team to focus on retooling for another title run, whispers of more dramatic changes have emerged. Central to these rumors is the uncertain future of their star duo: veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and the triple crown-winning wideout Kupp.
Kupp, addressing his plans after the loss, expressed his desire to continue playing but left his future with the Rams in doubt.
“That’s out of my control. And we will see what it’s going to be. … So yeah, obviously would love to be in L.A., but I don’t know what that’s going to look like,” Kupp told reporters during locker room cleanout.
#Rams WR Cooper Kupp on his future with the team:
“That's out of my control. And we will see what it's going to be….So yeah, obviously would love to be in L.A., but I don't know what that's going to look like.”
(Via @sarahbarshop) pic.twitter.com/fTaNqeVog1
— The Sports Fellow (@SportsFellow_) January 21, 2025
The Patriots’ Case for Kupp
New England could make a strong case as a landing spot for Kupp. The Patriots’ passing game lacked consistency last season, and their promising rookie quarterback, Drake Maye, would undoubtedly benefit from a reliable, elite target like Kupp. As a rookie, he posted promising numbers, grading at a 74.3 (C), 19th-best in the NFL, according to PFN’s QB+ metric.
With Kupp’s route-running precision and ability to dominate in the short and intermediate passing game, he could instantly elevate New England’s struggling offense, which finished 30th out of 32 teams in the NFL for points per game this season, while being tied for last the previous year. They also finished 26th in PFN’s Offense+ metric with a grade of 65.6 (D).
SEE MORE: ‘Come to the Pats, Bro’ – Bourne Recruits Bengals Star WR Tee Higgins To Team Up With Drake Maye
Additionally, the Patriots are well-positioned to make a splash in free agency. They currently have the most salary cap space in the NFL, with $120.5 million, per Over the Cap. That financial flexibility gives their newly hired head coach Mike Vrabel the tools and money needed to reshape the roster.
The Rams, meanwhile, face a daunting offseason. Replacing Kupp, should he depart, would be a monumental task for an offense ranked 11th by PFN’s Offense+ metric. Despite his injury concerns, Kupp remains a game-changer when healthy, capable of making an impact on any team fortunate enough to secure his services.