The NFL offseason is always full of unexpected twists, but few saw Monday’s news coming. The Los Angeles Rams, just three years removed from their Super Bowl victory, are reportedly looking to trade Cooper Kupp—their most reliable and decorated offensive weapon.
Kupp, the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP, has been the heart of the Rams’ passing game for years. His chemistry with Matthew Stafford helped power Los Angeles to a championship, and his production has been elite when healthy. But now, in a move that has stunned the NFL world, the Rams are actively seeking trade options for their star receiver. No one was more caught off guard than Kupp’s teammate, Puka Nacua.
Puka Nacua Reacts to Cooper Kupp Trade Rumors
Few players in the NFL had a bigger breakout season than Puka Nacua in 2023. The Rams’ rookie sensation shattered records and became a vital part of the offense, often drawing comparisons to Kupp himself. So when news broke that Los Angeles was seeking a trade for their longtime No. 1 receiver, Nacua summed up his feelings in just 10 words.
“So I thought it was just the NBA trade season.”
So I thought it was just the NBA trade season
— Puka Nacua (@AsapPuka) February 4, 2025
It’s a simple, but telling reaction. With blockbuster trades shaking up the NBA in recent weeks, Nacua’s response perfectly encapsulates the shock Rams fans are feeling after the announcement. The idea of moving on from Kupp, a franchise cornerstone, feels almost as jarring as when the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic out of nowhere.
Cooper Kupp Addresses His Uncertain Future
While Rams fans are still processing the news, no one is feeling it more than Kupp himself. The veteran receiver made it abundantly clear after Los Angeles’ season-ending loss to the Philadelphia Eagles: retirement is not an option.
Kupp took to social media to share his thoughts, and his message was as heartfelt as it was revealing, receiving over 13 million views just six hours after it was posted:
I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.
Still, if there’s… pic.twitter.com/XWmbGVscGy
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) February 4, 2025
“I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.
“Still, if there’s one thing that I have learned over the years: there are so many things that are out of your control, but it is how you respond to these things that you will look back on and remember.
“I have taken so much pride in playing alongside my teammates for the LA community, so thank you for embracing my family and making this such a special place for us.
“2024 began with one of the best training camps of my career. Preparations start now for 2025. Highly motivated, as healthy as ever, and looking forward to playing elite football for years to come. Love you guys… But coming for it all.”
Teams Already Showing Interest in Kupp
The moment trade rumors surfaced, teams across the league took notice. When healthy, Kupp is one of the NFL’s most reliable and productive receivers — an instant game-changer who can elevate any offense. And it didn’t take long for players to start recruiting him to their squads.
New England Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne took to social media with a recruiting message for Kupp, hinting that he’d be a perfect fit in New England.
With Kupp’s help, Los Angeles finished 11th in PFN’s Offense+ metric. There’s little doubt about his ability to remain effective, even as age and health concerns continue to build.
If the Rams are truly ready to move on, there won’t be a shortage of teams lining up to make a deal.
