On February 3, 2025, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp stunned fans with a social media announcement that the team is actively seeking to trade him. In a heartfelt post on X, Kupp shared his disappointment while affirming his commitment to his next chapter:
“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.”
This announcement, paired with a photo of him hugging his wife after the 2021 Super Bowl win and an audio clip of his 2017 draft call, marks a turning point for the Rams and their former Super Bowl MVP. At 31 (turning 32 in June 2025), Kupp remains a premier talent when healthy, but his injury history and contract have fueled trade talks. As of February 23, 2025, here’s a detailed look at his realistic trade value, factoring in his performance, contract, market trends, and potential suitors.
Cooper Kupp’s Profile: A Star with a Catch
Kupp’s 2021 season—1,947 yards, 16 touchdowns, and the receiving triple crown—remains one of the greatest by a wide receiver in NFL history. His Super Bowl LVI MVP performance cemented his legacy in Los Angeles. Even in recent injury-marred years, he’s been productive: 812 yards and 6 TDs in nine games in 2022, 737 yards and 5 TDs in 12 games in 2023, and, assuming a steady 2024 finish post-ankle sprain, roughly 900-1,000 yards and 7-8 TDs in 13 games. His 12.2 yards per catch and 7.8 YAC per reception showcase his elite route-running and after-catch ability.
Yet, injuries loom large. Since 2021, Kupp has missed 21 games, including a 2018 ACL tear and a 2024 high ankle sprain that sidelined him for five weeks. His durability concerns, now public with the trade announcement, temper his value despite his claim of being “as healthy as ever.”
Contract Breakdown: A Financial Hurdle
Kupp’s three-year, $80.1 million extension from June 2022 ties him to the Rams through 2026:
- 2025: $27.3 million cap hit, $14.85 million base salary ($9.85 million guaranteed)
- 2026: $26.9 million cap hit, $14.5 million base salary (none guaranteed)
A post-June 1, 2025 trade saves the Rams $18.5 million with $8.8 million in dead money, while a pre-June 1 move saves $9.65 million but leaves $17.65 million in dead money. For suitors, his $14.85 million 2025 salary is a steep ask for a 32-year-old with injury risks, likely necessitating a restructure or Rams’ salary absorption to facilitate a deal. Kupp’s willingness to adjust his contract could boost his market, but his announcement suggests he’s focused on landing with a contender, not just any team.
Market Trends: Setting the Bar
Recent wide receiver trades provide context:
- Davante Adams (2024): Age 31, traded for a conditional third-round pick (upgradable to a second) with $11.5 million owed. Adams had 209 yards in six games pre-trade.
- Stefon Diggs (2024): Age 30, traded for a 2025 second-round pick, with Buffalo absorbing $31 million in dead money. Diggs had 1,000+ yards in 2023.
- A.J. Brown (2022): Age 24, traded for a first-round pick (No. 18) and a third, followed by a $100 million extension.
Kupp’s peak outshines Adams and Diggs, but his age and injuries align his value closer to theirs. His announcement may depress offers—teams know the Rams are motivated sellers—yet his skill set ensures interest. A second-round pick is the ceiling; a third-rounder feels more likely.
Factors Influencing Kupp’s Trade Value
- 2024 Performance: If Kupp hits 1,000 yards and 8 TDs, his value climbs. A sub-800-yard season with another injury drops it.
- Health Perception: His “healthy as ever” claim will face scrutiny in medicals. A clean report could offset age concerns.
- Contract Willingness: A restructure lowering his 2025 salary could push his return toward a second-rounder.
- Rams’ Asking Price: Pre-announcement reports suggested a second-round pick with salary relief. Post-announcement, they may settle for less.
- Market Competition: A thin 2025 free-agent WR pool (e.g., Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin) and a solid draft class (e.g., Tetairoa McMillan) might limit bidding.
Realistic Trade Value Scenarios
High-End Scenario: Second-Round Pick
- Conditions: Kupp finishes 2024 with 1,000+ yards, passes a physical, and a contender like the Chiefs or Ravens sees him as a final piece.
- Precedent: Diggs’ second-round return for a veteran with risk.
- Package: 2025 second-round pick (No. 45-55), possibly with a conditional 2026 fifth-rounder (upgrades to a fourth with 1,000 yards).
Mid-Tier Scenario: Third-Round Pick + Late Day 3 Pick
- Conditions: Kupp logs 900 yards in 13-14 games, with teams hesitant on his full salary absent a rework.
- Precedent: Adams’ conditional third-to-second deal, plus a pick for Kupp’s upside.
- Package: 2025 third-round pick (No. 75-85), 2025 sixth-round pick.
Low-End Scenario: Fourth-Round Pick
- Conditions: Kupp dips below 700 yards, misses more time, or cap concerns dominate talks.
- Precedent: Brandin Cooks’ 2018 fourth-round trade as an aging vet.
- Package: 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 110-120).
Top Potential Trade Partners
- Baltimore Ravens: Kupp’s YAC prowess suits Lamar Jackson. With $22 million in cap space, a second-rounder is possible.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Mahomes lacks a true WR1 beyond Xavier Worthy. Kupp’s savvy fits Reid’s system, with $25 million in cap room supporting a third-round offer.
- Detroit Lions: Reuniting with Jared Goff alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown could yield a third-rounder from their $45 million cap.
- Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson needs help. Kupp and Amari Cooper could coexist, with $50 million in space and a third-round pick viable.
- Cincinnati Bengals: If Higgins departs, Kupp pairs with Ja’Marr Chase. $60 million in cap room could justify a second-round bid.
Rams’ Motivation: Why Now?
Kupp’s announcement underscores a strategic shift. A post-June 1 trade saves $18.5 million, funding extensions for Puka Nacua or defensive stars. If Stafford exits, Kupp’s timeline clashes with a youth movement—think drafting a QB like Quinn Ewers. Snead’s history of moving veterans (e.g., Robert Woods for a sixth in 2022) shows he’ll act decisively, but Kupp’s public stance may force a quicker, cheaper resolution.
Final Assessment
Kupp’s trade value hinges on his 2024 finish and health perception post-announcement. A stellar season could net a second-round pick from a contender desperate for his skills. More likely, his injury history and $14.85 million salary land a third-rounder plus a late pick—solid for a 32-year-old with wear. His public dissent may cap offers, but his talent ensures a market. The Rams will likely settle for the mid-tier scenario, balancing return with cap relief as they pivot to Nacua’s era. Kupp’s next stop will test his “elite football for years” vow—and the Rams’ roster reset begins now.
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[…] The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most anticipated events on the professional football calendar, marking the unofficial start of the NFL Draft season. Held annually in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium, the 2025 edition runs from February 24 through March 3, with on-field workouts occurring from February 27 to March 2. This year, 329 of the top college football prospects from 86 schools have been invited to showcase their skills in front of coaches, general managers, and scouts from all 32 NFL teams, including the Los Angeles Rams. For the Rams, this event is a critical opportunity to evaluate talent, address roster needs, and build on their competitive foundation following the 2024 season. It is also the opportunity for Snead and McVay to meet with other coaches and GM’s to work out possible trades of Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp. […]