For years, Cooper Kupp has been the heartbeat of the Los Angeles Rams’ passing attack. The 2021 Offensive Player of the Year put together one of the most dominant receiving seasons in NFL history and was instrumental in the Rams’ Super Bowl 56 victory. But now, after an injury-riddled last few seasons and a massive contract still on the books, Los Angeles is looking to move on and put the receiver on the trade market last month.
The Rams seem to have yet to find suitable suitors for the Kupp, and while general manager Les Snead didn’t rule out a possible return next season, he suggested their first priority was getting rid of him.
Cooper Kupp Returning To Los Angeles is the ‘Least Likely’ Option
Kupp was one of the best value picks in recent memory, selected by Los Angeles in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He quickly became a key part of McVay’s offense and won the Triple Crown in 2021, posting 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns en route to a Super Bowl championship.
However, Kupp hasn’t played more than 12 regular-season games since then and has surpassed 800 receiving yards only once. A high ankle sprain ended his 2022 season, he missed the first four games of 2023 with a lingering hamstring injury, and he missed four games last season with another ankle issue.
Kupp signed a three-year, $80.1 million extension in the summer of 2022, keeping him under contract through 2026, but the team is looking to get that deal off its books, especially with a looming $29.78 million cap hit.
But what if they don’t find any suitors for Kupp? Would there be a scenario where the 31-year-old returns in 2025?
“There is a scenario, but when you get into probabilities that would be the least likely. I don’t want to tell you ‘no’ today and then next week he’s a Ram. You see what we’re trying to do. We’re working to try to find a partner and a next chapter for Cooper and ourselves,” Snead said
Rams GM Les Snead on whether there’s a scenario in which Cooper Kupp returns to the team next season: “There is a scenario, but when you get into probabilities that would be the least likely. I don’t want to tell you ‘no’ today and then next week he’s a Ram. You see what we’re… pic.twitter.com/TabgiF76y5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2025
With Kupp gone, two-year starter Puka Nacua stands out as the only starting-caliber receiver slated to be on the Rams roster in 2025. And according to PFSN’s “One Free Agent Each Team Can’t Afford To Lose” rundown, the answer for the Rams lies in resigning Demarcus Robinson.
Making the case for Robinson’s re-signing, PFSN analyst Sterling Xie writes:
“Demarcus Robinson has been a clear third fiddle behind Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp in recent years but has brought a dose of dependability and big-play ability. Robinson played the most snaps and ran the most routes of any receiver on the Rams last season, leading the team with seven touchdown receptions as the rest of the pass catchers dealt with a variety of injuries.
With Kupp out the door, Robinson would once again occupy an every-down role for 2025 and potentially buy the Rams some time to develop a draft pick. He also provides a much-needed dose of vertical playmaking, as his 16.3 yards per reception ranked fourth among players with at least 30 catches in 2024.”
While not a hugely inspiring signing, the Rams have an opportunity to build upon a really impressive showing by their young roster in 2024. With Kupp out the door, Robinson would allow the team to further solidify their next generation without compromising the present.