Cooper Kupp Rumors: Rams May Need to Cut WR; Contract Could Be Obstacle in Trade Talks

Cooper Kupp's salary could cause the Los Angeles Rams to cut the veteran wide receiver instead of trading him, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"There’s going to be a market," Rapoport said on Saturday. "There’s going to be interest in the veteran playmaking receiver. The question, though, is is there enough interest to do a trade where a team will take on his full salary? If not, it certainly seems a possibility for the Rams would be cutting Cooper Kupp and then moving on.”

Kupp revealed on Feb. 3 that the Rams informed him that they were looking to trade him "immediately."

The 31-year-old spent the first eight years of his career with the team, highlighted by his 2021 campaign in which he paced the NFL in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16).

Kupp hasn't been able to maintain a similar level of production since, though. He's failed to reach 900 receiving yards in each of the past three years and has dealt with multiple health issues, appearing in 33 of a possible 51 regular-season games over that span.

With his declining production, teams may covet him on the trade market but are likely hesitant to pay him the $20 million he's owed in 2025 as well as the $19.85 million he'll receive in 2026 (h/t NFL Network's Mike Garafolo).

Rapoport noted that there will be a trade market for Kupp, though.

The Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders have all been linked to the former Pro Bowl receiver.

Still, the remainder of Kupp's contract could result in the Rams cutting ties with him if they aren't able to find a trade partner willing to take on his salary.