The Washington Commanders pulled off an impressive Wild Card round upset against the No. 3 seed Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
However, a serious challenge awaits the Commanders on Saturday, as they face the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions. Assuming this matchup ends their season, Washington’s front office can shift their attention to the offseason.
One of their top priorities should be adding more weapons for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, as Terry McLaurin was the only target who went over 1,000 yards. Veteran TE Zach Ertz finished No. 2 on the team with 654 yards, followed by WR Olamide Zaccheaus with 506 yards. What better way to bolster Daniels’ room of weapons than by adding a Triple Crown-winning wideout.
Washington Commanders To Trade for Los Angeles Rams’ Cooper Kupp?
Kupp had one of the greatest WR campaigns of all-time in 2021, with 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. Since then, he has yet to record more than 1,000 yards, which injuries are somewhat to blame for. He played nine games in 2022 and made 12 appearances in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
A change of scenery could be exactly what the 31-year-old needs. While switching organizations does not negate the risk of injury, a different system could place him in less stress-inducing scenarios. This is why NFL analyst Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report predicts the Washington Commanders will land Kupp in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick.
“Regardless of how far the Rams go in the playoffs, they should consider moving on from the 31-year-old wide receiver,” Moton wrote. “Puka Nacua has emerged as the Rams’ go-to receiver. In 2023 and 2024, he led the team in catches and receiving yards. Los Angeles could find a No. 2 receiver in the upcoming draft.”
The Rams are in a strange position since winning the Super Bowl in 2022. The roster isn’t quite good enough to be viewed as a title favorite, but it’s also not weak enough to land a top pick in the NFL Draft.
Cooper Kupp in his last healthy season:
145 Receptions
1947 Yards
16 TDs
Triple Crown 👑👑👑
SBMVPThey forgot who you were @CooperKupp. It’s time to remind them. #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/VxcCHm1XQ9
— 🔥 (@Rlshl11) August 5, 2024
“Though Kupp’s receiving numbers have declined, he’s a reliable chain-mover who can be a safety blanket for a developing quarterback. The Washington Commanders can help Jayden Daniels with this move,” Moton wrote. “Washington is a playoff team ahead of its rebuild schedule. With $96 million in cap space, it could be a landing spot for an established veteran like Kupp, who can fill one of the club’s key needs.”
So Kupp being traded simply comes down to whether the Rams are ready to begin a new era or would prefer to compete for another Lombardi Trophy with their bearded warrior.