Cooper Kupp might have unintentionally revealed the Los Angeles Rams’ offseason plans when he hinted at the team’s desire to trade him. But moving the former Super Bowl MVP won’t be simple. At 31, Kupp has battled injuries, missing 18 regular-season games over the past three seasons. Financially, he carries a $7.5 million roster bonus and $12.5 million salary for 2025, making potential suitors wary of the investment.
However, if the Rams eat some of his contracts or release him outright, several teams could make a compelling case for his services. Here are five possible destinations for Kupp in either a trade or free agency.
Houston Texans
The Texans make immediate sense. Nick Caley, the Rams’ former passing game coordinator, is now Houston’s offensive coordinator. While he didn’t work with Cooper Kupp during his peak, his familiarity with the Rams’ offensive structure could ease Kupp’s transition. Houston also needs a receiver. Tank Dell is recovering from a severe knee injury, and Stefon Diggs is a free agent. Kupp could fill Diggs’ role as a short-to-intermediate route technician, allowing Nico Collins to remain the primary deep threat. The biggest obstacle? Houston’s cap space. According to Over The Cap, they have just $101,000 available, making financial gymnastics necessary.
Why are the Rams trading Cooper Kupp? Explaining LA's decision to part with star WRhttps://t.co/kFZIQvGuuW
— Abigail Evans (@evans_abig16836) February 5, 2025
New England Patriots
The Patriots have the money to make this happen. With a league-high $120 million in cap space, they can reshape their offense. Kupp could provide immediate help for presumed rookie quarterback Drake Maye, offering a reliable target in a revamped passing attack. However, New England might prioritize younger, high-upside options like Tee Higgins in free agency. Still, adding Kupp to a receiver group desperate for playmakers would inch the Patriots closer to owner Robert Kraft’s stated goal- returning to the playoffs.
Washington Commanders
Washington boasts over $78 million in cap space, making them one of the few teams financially capable of absorbing Cooper Kupp’s contract. They need a reliable No. 2 receiver alongside Terry McLaurin, whose 1,096 receiving yards in 2024 dwarfed the next closest pass-catcher. Kupp’s route-running and short-area quickness would perfectly complement McLaurin’s contested-catch ability. The catch? McLaurin is also due for a lucrative extension, and the Commanders might hesitate to invest heavily in two high-priced receivers. But if they’re serious about maximizing Jayden Daniels’ rookie contract window, Kupp could be a worthwhile addition.
ESPN Insider Jeremy Fowler talking about a possible Cooper Kupp trade to the #Commanders:
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) February 5, 2025
“Washington could look for a compliment to Terry McLaurin” https://t.co/ULeo0u6IqT
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Also Read: Rams Star WR Cooper Kupp Is Officially Done
Chicago Bears
Chicago isn’t a title contender just yet, but they rank sixth in cap space with nearly $63 million available. The Keenan Allen trade didn’t pan out, and the Bears need a reliable safety blanket for Caleb Williams as he transitions into Ben Johnson’s offense. Cooper Kupp, a precise route-runner with elite hands, could help Williams operate on schedule and quickly adjust to the NFL. While it might not be the flashiest move, adding a steady veteran like Kupp could ease the Bears’ offensive rebuild.
Denver Broncos
This move doesn’t entirely align with Sean Payton’s traditional roster-building philosophy. Payton typically prioritizes versatile offensive weapons like tight ends or pass-catching running backs. But Denver has to consider all options to support second-year quarterback Bo Nix. The Broncos struggled with consistency in the passing game last season, and Kupp’s ability to separate in the intermediate routes could provide much-needed stability. While Denver isn’t flush with cap space, the proper deal structure could make it work.
Should the #Broncos be interested in Cooper Kupp? #BroncosCountry @byesline | @PetersenWill pic.twitter.com/coYm8yMyNk
— Denver Sports 104.3 (@DenSports1043) February 5, 2025
The Financial Reality
The Rams have decisions to make. Trading Cooper Kupp won’t be easy, given his contract and injury history. If they don’t find a trade partner, they may have to release him. In that scenario, his free-agent market could be robust, with teams like the Patriots and Commanders possessing the cap flexibility to outbid others. Regardless, Kupp’s next move will be one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.
Also Read: 2 Interesting Front-Runners Emerge To Land Rams Superstar WR Cooper Kupp In Blockbuster Trade
