Few players in recent NFL history have meant more to their franchise than Cooper Kupp has to the Los Angeles Rams. From his historic triple-crown-winning season in 2021 to his Super Bowl MVP performance, Kupp was the heart and soul of the Rams’ offense. But in a move that has left fans stunned, Los Angeles has decided to trade the veteran receiver.
For an organization that once appeared all-in on maximizing its championship window, this decision signals a harsh truth. With Puka Nacua emerging as a legitimate star and the Rams looking to build sustainably, the front office made the cold, calculated decision to move on from one of its greatest players. But not everyone agrees with the move — especially former NFL executive Louis Riddick.
Louis Riddick Sounds Off on Potential Cooper Kupp Trade
Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, Riddick didn’t hold back when discussing the Rams’ decision.
“Puka Nacua’s emergence has made Cooper Kupp one of the guys you look at and go, ‘He was the hero of their Super Bowl run. Now, all of a sudden, he’s expendable?’ Think about how shocking that sounds here.”
Riddick’s reaction echoed the thoughts of many fans and analysts who still view Kupp as a top-tier receiver.
"He was the hero of their Super Bowl run. Now all of a sudden he's expendable? Think about how shocking that sounds here."
—@LRiddickESPN on the Rams seeking to trade WR Cooper Kupp pic.twitter.com/NeSU02nimt
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 4, 2025
While injuries have slowed him in recent seasons, he remains an elite route-runner with exceptional hands and football IQ. The idea that a player who once dominated defenses so effectively could suddenly be labeled as expendable feels like a gut punch to those who watched him lift the Rams to their first Super Bowl win of Sean McVay’s regime.
With his help, Los Angeles remained potent in 2024, finishing 11th in PFN’s Offense+ rankings and obliterating the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round.
Cooper Kupp Shares His Thoughts on X
While Rams fans are still processing the news that their triple-crown-winning wide receiver might no longer belong to the SoFi Stadium faithful, no one is feeling it more than Kupp himself. The veteran receiver made it abundantly clear after the Rams’ season-ending loss to the Philadelphia Eagles: he wanted to stay in Los Angeles.
Kupp took to social media to share his thoughts, and his message was as heartfelt as it was revealing, receiving over 18 million views a day 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 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.”
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
For a player who gave everything to the organization, and expressed his sincere commitment to the team, the decision to move on feels like an abrupt ending to what was supposed to be a career-long journey.
New England Patriots WR Ahead of the Crowd Recruiting 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.
New England Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne was already ahead of the competition, posting a message on social media and making it clear that Kupp’s pedigree would be greatly appreciated in New England.
Even as he approaches his 31st birthday, there’s little doubt about his ability to remain effective. The only question is where he’ll land next.
If the Rams are truly ready to move on, expect a long line of teams eager to make a blockbuster deal for the star receiver.
