The Los Angeles Rams made the difficult decision to part ways with wide receiver Cooper Kupp, a franchise legend whose eight-year tenure with the team included a Super Bowl LVI MVP award, Offensive Player of the Year honors, and the 2021 receiving triple crown. While Kupp’s contributions on the field are undeniable, his release on March 12, 2025, was driven by salary cap considerations as the Rams look to maintain financial flexibility in the 2025 NFL free-agency period. This move has significant implications for the team’s salary cap, both in the short and long term.
The Financial Breakdown of Kupp’s Release
Cooper Kupp was in the midst of a three-year, $80.1 million contract extension signed in 2022, with cap hits of $29.78 million in 2025 and $27.3 million in 2026. His 2025 compensation included a $12.5 million base salary and a $7.5 million roster bonus, with $5 million of that amount already guaranteed. The Rams’ decision to designate Kupp as a post-June 1 cut, rather than a standard release, has shaped the financial impact of this move.
By designating Kupp as a post-June 1 cut, the Rams will keep his $29.78 million cap hit on the books until June 1, 2025. At that point, the team will absorb dead cap charges of $14.78 million in 2025 and $7.48 million in 2026, while freeing up $15 million in cap space for the 2025 season. This approach provides more cap relief compared to a standard release, which would have resulted in $22.26 million in dead money and only $7.52 million in savings for 2025. The post-June 1 designation allows the Rams to spread the dead cap hit over two years, easing the immediate financial burden.
Rams now officially have released WR Cooper Kupp. They are designating Cooper Kupp as a post-June 1 cut, keeping his $29.78M cap hit until June. At that point, they will take on dead cap hits of $14.78M in 2025 and $7.48M in 2026 while creating $15M in cap space.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2025
Why the Rams Made This Move
The decision to release Kupp was not made lightly, given his storied history with the team. However, several factors contributed to the Rams’ choice. Kupp, who will turn 32 in June 2025, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, missing significant time due to ankle and hamstring issues in 2022, 2023, and 2024. His production has declined, with 710 receiving yards in 2024, a far cry from his historic 2021 campaign.
The emergence of Puka Nacua as a premier receiver, coupled with the acquisition of Davante Adams, reduced the urgency of retaining Kupp at his current salary. Nacua’s breakout performance, exceeding 1,500 receiving yards in 2024, has given the Rams confidence in their younger talent. Additionally, Kupp’s contract made him a challenging trade candidate, as potential suitors were deterred by his age, injury history, and cap hit. Despite efforts to find a trade partner, the Rams were unable to secure a deal, leading to his release.
Immediate and Long-Term Salary Cap Implications
The $15 million in cap space created by Kupp’s release, effective June 1, 2025, provides the Rams with significant financial flexibility as they approach the summer and prepare for the 2025 season. As of March 12, 2025, the Rams have approximately $38.9 million in available cap space, factoring in Kupp’s post-June 1 designation. This figure positions the team well to address roster needs, whether through free-agent signings, contract extensions, or draft-related expenses.
However, the dead cap charges of $14.78 million in 2025 and $7.48 million in 2026 will limit the team’s flexibility in future years. These charges reflect the remaining prorated portions of Kupp’s signing bonus and guaranteed money, which the Rams must account for on their cap sheet. While the post-June 1 designation mitigates the immediate impact, it underscores the long-term cost of moving on from a high-salary veteran.
Strategic Considerations for the Rams
The release of Kupp signals a shift in the Rams’ team-building approach, with a focus on financial sustainability and roster retooling. The team is balancing the need to remain competitive in the present while planning for the future. The cap space gained from Kupp’s release could be used to bolster other areas of the roster, such as the offensive line, secondary, or middle linebacker, all of which are critical for maintaining a contending team.
Additionally, the Rams must consider the future of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is under contract through 2026 with a significant cap hit. Stafford’s contract, combined with the dead money from Kupp’s release, will require careful cap management in the coming years. The team’s ability to navigate these challenges will depend on their success in drafting and developing young talent, as well as their ability to find value in the free-agent market.
Kupp’s Legacy and Next Chapter
While the financial implications of Kupp’s release are significant, his legacy with the Rams remains intact. His contributions to the team’s Super Bowl victory and his record-breaking 2021 season will be remembered as some of the finest moments in franchise history. Fans and analysts alike have expressed gratitude for Kupp’s impact, with many noting that he will “always be a Ram” despite his departure.
Kupp’s release immediately places him at the forefront of the wide receiver free-agent market, where he is expected to draw interest from contending teams. Potential suitors, such as the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, and Kansas City Chiefs, could benefit from his veteran presence and playmaking ability, provided he can stay healthy.
Conclusion
The release of Cooper Kupp marks the end of an era for the Los Angeles Rams, both on the field and financially. By designating him as a post-June 1 cut, the Rams have created $15 million in cap space for 2025, providing much-needed flexibility as they navigate the complexities of the salary cap. However, the dead cap charges in 2025 and 2026 serve as a reminder of the long-term costs associated with such moves.
As the Rams look to the future, they must balance their immediate competitive goals with the need for financial sustainability. Kupp’s departure, while difficult, reflects the team’s commitment to adapting and evolving in a league where roster turnover is inevitable. For Kupp, the next chapter awaits, and his impact on the game is far from over.
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