As the NFL offseason progresses, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves at a crossroads with one of their most iconic players, wide receiver Cooper Kupp. The former Super Bowl MVP and 2021 Offensive Player of the Year has been a cornerstone of the Rams’ offense since being drafted in the third round in 2017. However, recent developments suggest that Kupp’s tenure with the team may be nearing an abrupt end. Despite the Rams’ efforts to secure a trade partner, the market for the 31-year-old star has been surprisingly tepid, raising the likelihood that Los Angeles will release him outright as a $7.5 million roster bonus deadline approaches on March 18, 2025.
A Storied Career Marred by Recent Struggles
Cooper Kupp’s legacy with the Rams is undeniable. His 2021 season remains one of the most remarkable in NFL history for a wide receiver, as he claimed the rare receiving “Triple Crown” by leading the league with 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns. That year, he capped his brilliance with a Super Bowl MVP performance, hauling in two touchdowns—including the game-winner—against the Cincinnati Bengals to secure the Rams’ second Lombardi Trophy. Since then, however, injuries have plagued Kupp, limiting his availability and production. Over the past three seasons, he has missed 18 of 51 possible regular-season games, including four in 2024 due to an ankle sprain suffered in Week 2.
In 2024, Kupp appeared in 12 games, catching 67 passes for 710 yards and five touchdowns—respectable numbers but a far cry from his peak. His late-season performance underscored a troubling decline: in his final five games (including playoffs), he averaged just 28.6 yards per game and scored only one touchdown. This dip in output, coupled with his advancing age—he turns 32 in June—has fueled speculation that his days as an elite receiver may be behind him. For the Rams, who are navigating a transitional phase after a 2024 playoff appearance, Kupp’s hefty contract no longer aligns with his on-field contributions, prompting the team to explore trade options.
Cooper Kupp 2024 Season Highlights (YouTube)
The Trade Market Stalls
In early February 2025, Kupp announced via a public statement that the Rams had informed him of their intent to trade him “immediately,” signaling a mutual desire to find a new home where he could continue chasing championships. General Manager Les Snead confirmed this direction, stating that the team was “working to try to find a partner and a next chapter for Cooper and ourselves.” The Rams reportedly sought at least a second-round draft pick for Kupp during trade discussions ahead of the 2024 NFL trade deadline, a valuation rooted in his past accolades and proven ability when healthy.
However, a month after Kupp’s announcement, no deal has materialized. Reports indicate that the Rams have struggled to generate significant interest, a stark contrast to the swift trade market for other high-profile receivers like Deebo Samuel, who found a new team within days of being shopped. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport recently noted that while there will be a market and interest in Kupp, the primary obstacle is his contract. Teams appear hesitant to take on his financial burden, especially given his injury history and declining production.
Posts on X reflect growing sentiment that the Rams may have misjudged Kupp’s trade value. One user observed, “Seems like the Rams may have to outright cut Cooper Kupp. He’s been ‘shopped’ for weeks and they still don’t have any action,” while another suggested that teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers—both previously linked to Kupp—may no longer be in play. The Pittsburgh Steelers, in particular, had inquired about Kupp before the 2024 trade deadline, but their interest has seemingly waned as they prioritize younger, less expensive options.
The Roster Bonus Deadline: March 18, 2025
A critical factor in the Rams’ decision-making process is Kupp’s $7.5 million roster bonus, due on March 18, 2025—the fifth day of the new league year. Of that amount, $5 million is fully guaranteed without an offset, meaning the Rams are on the hook for it regardless of whether Kupp remains on the roster, is traded, or is released after that date. His total compensation for 2025 is $20 million, which includes the $7.5 million roster bonus and a $12.5 million base salary. For any acquiring team, absorbing this sum—plus an additional $19.85 million in 2026—represents a significant commitment to a player with durability concerns.
Snead acknowledged the roster bonus as a pivotal deadline, stating, “If there is a deadline in this situation, that roster date does weigh a good bit in the algorithm and formula that we’re working through.” If the Rams delay a trade or release until after March 18, they would be responsible for paying the $7.5 million, leaving a new team to cover only the $12.5 million base salary for 2025. This scenario could complicate trade negotiations further, as potential suitors might prefer to wait and sign Kupp as a free agent rather than surrender draft capital and take on even a portion of his current deal.
Financial Implications and the Release Scenario
Kupp’s contract, a three-year, $80.1 million extension signed in 2022, runs through 2026, with cap hits of $29.78 million in both 2025 and 2026. Trading him before March 18 would save the Rams $12.52 million in 2025 cap space but incur $17.26 million in dead money. Releasing him outright would yield the same $12.52 million in savings and $17.26 million in dead cap, per Over The Cap. Cutting Kupp after March 18, however, would reduce the savings to $7.52 million, as the Rams would absorb the roster bonus.
Given the lack of trade traction, analysts increasingly view a release as the most probable outcome. Rapoport recently reported that Kupp is now “more likely than not” to be released, a sentiment echoed by Rams beat writer Cameron DaSilva on X: “Sounds like the Rams are struggling to find a trade partner for Cooper Kupp.” The Rams’ preference is to secure some return—perhaps a late-round draft pick—but Kupp’s age, injury history, and salary have diminished his trade value compared to his peak years. As one X user put it, “More & more likely it appears as if the Rams are going to release Cooper with no compensation.”
What’s Next for Kupp and the Rams?
For the Rams, moving on from Kupp signals a shift toward a younger, more cost-effective roster. Second-year wide receiver Puka Nacua, who set rookie records with 105 catches and 1,486 yards in 2023, has emerged as the team’s top target, reducing Kupp’s indispensability. With $44 million in projected 2025 cap space (before any Kupp-related moves), Los Angeles can reinvest in other areas, such as the offensive line or secondary, while relying on Nacua and emerging talents like Jordan Whittington.
For Kupp, a release would open the free-agent market, where he could still attract interest from contenders seeking a veteran presence. Teams like the Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals (if Tee Higgins departs), or Buffalo Bills might view him as a valuable addition at a reduced rate, especially if he’s willing to rework his contract. Despite his recent struggles, Kupp’s track record—634 career receptions, 7,776 yards, and 57 touchdowns—suggests he has “good football left,” as head coach Sean McVay has asserted.
As March 18 approaches, the Rams face a narrowing window to salvage value from their longtime star. Without a trade partner stepping forward, the team appears poised to cut ties with Kupp, closing a fruitful chapter that defined their recent success. For fans and observers, the prospect of Kupp in another uniform remains jarring, but the business of the NFL often demands such difficult decisions. Unless a last-minute suitor emerges, the Rams’ next move will likely be a release, sending Cooper Kupp into free agency and leaving Los Angeles to chart a new course without one of its greatest players.
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