The Los Angeles Rams have been receiving calls on wide receiver Cooper Kupp ahead of the NFL‘s Nov. 5 trade deadline. Now that other pass catchers like Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, and DeAndre Hopkins have been dealt, Kupp has been viewed as a candidate to be moved ahead of the deadline.
But will the Rams change their trade deadline approach after moving to 3-4 with a Thursday night win over the Minnesota Vikings? Here’s the latest on the trade rumors surrounding Kupp.
Will the Rams Trade Cooper Kupp?
Kupp and fellow Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua returned from multi-week ankle injuries in Week 8 to help Los Angeles to a 30-20 win against Minnesota in Week 8. Kupp, suiting up for the first time since Week 2, caught five passes for 51 yards and one of four Matthew Stafford touchdowns.
The Rams’ TNF victory put them back in the NFC playoff race and will likely keep Kupp on the club’s roster through the trade deadline. Speaking to reporters after Thursday night’s win, head coach Sean McVay said Kupp will likely remain with Los Angeles.
“I think about coaching our team,” McVay said. “We’re an inside-out organization. I’m really glad to have Cooper Kupp back with us and that’s what I expect to stay that way.”
Full McVay clip about Cooper Kupp. I knew a lot of those speculations were false. Love how he handles and addresses it! Of course teams will call asking about a trade for a 2-4 team.
Kupp here to stay though! pic.twitter.com/HPBrbiWjzO
— Derek Q (@thederekquinn) October 25, 2024
While McVay admitted that rival clubs have contacted the Rams regarding Kupp’s pre-deadline availability, he also indicated some reports have included speculation.
“Here’s what I’ll tell you — teams reached out,” McVay said. “Some of the things I’ve seen out there, they’re just not true. We’ve addressed that with those individuals.
“Teams have called about him and we let him know what the dialogue was there. And then there’s a lot of stuff out there where there’s not a lot of accountability to the reports. And that’s unfortunate.”
The Kansas City Chiefs were the only team directly linked to Kupp. Instead of going after Kupp, the Chiefs acquired Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that the Rams would’ve wanted to exceed the return the Las Vegas Raiders received for Adams. The New York Jets gave up a conditional third-round choice and agreed to take on all of Adams’ remaining salary. Los Angeles, meanwhile, might’ve been willing to absorb most of Kupp’s remaining earnings.
Are the Rams Playoff Contenders With Kupp and Nacua Back?
Nacua was also outstanding in his first game back since Week 1, leading the Rams with seven catches for 106 yards on Thursday night.
This was the offense Los Angeles thought it would be deploying all year. With Kupp and Nacua in the lineup, the Rams posted a season-high in points (30), EPA per play (0.24), and explosive play rate (18.2%).
After moving to 3-4, Los Angeles is squarely back in the NFC playoff picture. McVay’s club isn’t just a Wild Card contender — they’re still in the running for the NFC West title.
The Seattle Seahawks are 4-3 entering their Week 8 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, but every other team in the division is 3-4. The San Francisco 49ers will face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, while the Arizona Cardinals will play the Miami Dolphins.
PFN’s Playoff Predictor gives the Rams a 29.4% chance of making the playoffs, pending the rest of Week 8’s results. Los Angeles has nearly a one-in-five shot at winning the NFC West crown.