Los Angeles Rams to Release Star Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp: A Difficult but Strategic Decision
The Los Angeles Rams are set to release veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, barring an unlikely last-minute trade. The decision marks the end of an illustrious eight-year tenure with the Rams, during which Kupp emerged as one of the franchise’s most beloved and productive players. His release, driven by financial considerations and a shifting team strategy, underscores the harsh realities of the NFL’s business side, even for a player who delivered a Super Bowl championship, earned Super Bowl MVP honors, and was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.
A Storied Career with the Rams
Cooper Kupp, now 31, was selected by the Rams in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Eastern Washington. Over the course of his career, he became a cornerstone of head coach Sean McVay’s offensive schemes, forming an exceptional connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Kupp’s accolades are numerous: he holds the NFL record for most receiving yards in a combined regular season and postseason (2,425 yards in 2021) and became the fourth player since the AFL-NFL merger to lead the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in the same season. His performance in Super Bowl LVI, where he earned MVP honors, cemented his legacy as a clutch performer in the biggest moments.
Across his eight seasons with the Rams, Kupp recorded 634 receptions for 7,776 yards and 57 touchdowns, placing him among the franchise’s all-time leaders in receiving categories. However, injuries marred his last three seasons, limiting him to 33 games and impacting his production. In 2024, he caught 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games, adding six receptions for 90 yards in two postseason games. Despite flashes of his former brilliance, his output no longer matched his hefty contract, which carried a $29.78 million cap hit for 2025.
The Financial and Strategic Rationale
The Rams’ decision to release Kupp is primarily driven by financial considerations. His contract, signed after his record-breaking 2021 season, included a $20 million salary for 2025, with $5 million in guaranteed money. Releasing him will save the Rams approximately $7.52 million in cap space, though they will absorb $22.2 million in dead money if the release is not designated as post-June 1. A post-June 1 designation would save $20 million in 2025 cap space, but the Rams appear intent on moving forward immediately.
The signing of veteran wide receiver Davante Adams to a two-year, $46 million deal on March 9, 2025, further signaled the Rams’ shift in direction. Adams, 32, brings a proven track record and is poised to replace Kupp as a primary target for Stafford. The Rams’ front office, led by general manager Les Snead, has a history of unsentimental roster moves, having previously traded or released stars like Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, and Robert Woods before their contracts became burdensome. Kupp’s release aligns with this pattern, as the team seeks to retool its offense around younger, cost-effective talent like Puka Nacua, who has emerged as Stafford’s new go-to receiver.
McVay praised Cooper Kupp for how he has handled the team’s decision to try to move him. Kupp changed his life, he said, and added it is the “hardest decision” he has made as a HC. Also added Rams will look at all three phases in replacing Kupp’s spot – draft, free agency, trade.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) March 3, 2025
Injuries also played a significant role in the decision. Kupp missed at least one game in six of his eight seasons, including four seasons with at least four missed games. His 2024 campaign was disrupted by an ankle injury in Week 2, which sidelined him for four games. While Kupp has maintained that he is “as healthy as ever,” the Rams appear unwilling to gamble on his durability, especially given his age and contract. Posts on X have noted that despite his injuries, Kupp remained a productive receiver when healthy, finishing as WR25 or better in seven of nine games before Week 14 in 2024, including two WR2 finishes. However, the team’s leadership believes his production no longer justifies his cost.
Emotional and Personal Impact
The decision to part ways with Kupp has not been easy for the Rams or the player himself. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Kupp expressed disappointment, recounting his conversation with McVay: “I walked into Sean’s office, and he said, ‘We’re going to trade you.’ I asked if there were any other thoughts on ways to move forward, were there any other options to figure things out, and he said, ‘No, this is the way they wanted to go.'” Kupp emphasized his desire to avoid bitterness, stating, “In that moment, I made the decision that I didn’t want this to be a bitter thing in terms of our ending there.”
McVay, for his part, has been effusive in his praise for Kupp, calling him a player who “changed my life for the better.” Posts on X indicate that McVay described the decision as the “hardest” he has made as a head coach, highlighting Kupp’s impact both on and off the field. Kupp’s leadership in the locker room, his chemistry with Stafford, and his mentorship of younger receivers like Nacua have been invaluable. However, the Rams’ front office appears resolute, with Snead noting that Kupp’s return for 2025 was the “least likely” scenario.
#Rams Cooper Kupps' Super Bowl performance was magical. So grateful for the awesome memories. @RamsBros @RamsTapes @RamsNFL #cooperkupp pic.twitter.com/S5nD9vxZXB
— The RAMS Forum (@RamsFansForum) March 11, 2025
Kupp’s impending departure has also resonated with fans and analysts. Posts on X have expressed frustration with the Rams’ handling of the situation, with some arguing that a franchise legend who delivered a Super Bowl ring should not leave with a bitter taste. Others, however, see the move as a necessary business decision, pointing to Kupp’s cap hits and injury history as justification.
What Lies Ahead for Kupp and the Rams
For Kupp, a fresh start could spark a rebound. At 31, he believes he has “good football left” and has expressed a desire to play for at least four more years at a high level. Teams in need of a veteran receiver may view him as a valuable addition, especially if he signs for a reduced salary. Potential landing spots could include teams with young quarterbacks seeking a reliable target or contenders looking to bolster their passing game. However, his injury history and age may limit his market, with teams likely hesitant to commit significant resources.
For the Rams, Kupp’s release opens the door for a reimagined receivers room. Nacua, eligible for a contract extension after 2025, has averaged 88.4 receiving yards per game over his first two seasons, establishing himself as the team’s new star. The Rams also have Jordan Whittington and Xavier Smith under contract, but they may look to add speed and explosiveness on the outside to complement Nacua’s skill set. Posts on X indicate that the team plans to address Kupp’s departure through the draft, free agency, and trades, with McVay emphasizing the need to replace his production across all three phases.
A Bittersweet Ending
Cooper Kupp’s release marks the end of an era for the Los Angeles Rams, a team he helped elevate from mediocrity to a Super Bowl champion. His contributions to the franchise, both on the field and in the community, are undeniable. Yet, in the NFL, sentimentality often gives way to pragmatism, and the Rams’ decision reflects the league’s relentless focus on financial flexibility and roster turnover.
Eight years of incredible memories.
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) March 12, 2025
We talked often about the Rams being back in LA and how we would grow to be something special here. And there was frustration early on around getting the buy in from the people of LA.
But we knew at the end of the day, it’s about providing… pic.twitter.com/QhW9oihGeT
As Kupp prepares for the next chapter of his career, and the Rams chart a new course, both sides will carry the weight of this decision. For Kupp, it is an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong once again, as he did throughout his journey from high school to college to the NFL. For the Rams, it is a chance to build on their recent success while navigating the challenges of replacing a franchise icon. In the end, Kupp’s legacy in Los Angeles will endure, even as the team and its fans brace for a future without him.
For more Rams news and discussion, please visit The Rams Forum
About Author
