Cooper Kupp Rumors: Patriots 'Reached Out' About Contract, WR Prefers West Coast

Cooper Kupp may need to decide if joining the New England Patriots is worth leaving the NFC West.

The Patriots have "reached out" to Kupp following his release by the Los Angeles Rams, per the Boston Sports Journal's Mike Giardi.

According to Giardi, Kupp is believed to prefer the West Coast but "hasn't closed any doors."

Kupp said in February he had been informed the Rams were seeking to trade him. The Rams announced Wednesday he would be released instead. The post-June 1 move will save the Rams $15 million in cap space, per Spotrac.

The cut will meanwhile allow teams to sign Kupp to a more manageable contract than his previous deal, which was set to carry a cap hit of $29.8 million next season.

According to The Athletic's Jeff Howe, there are a "handful" of teams willing to offer Kupp about $12 million per year.

"We'll see if that number changes or how he weighs the money against the destination," Howe wrote.

ESPN's Adam Schefter meanwhile reported that "at least a dozen teams" have expressed interest in Kupp since his release.

Schefter named the Patriots, alongside the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, as being on that list.

Kupp missed five games in 2024, but still ranked second only to Puka Nacua for the Rams lead with 710 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 67 catches.

Those numbers would have made Kupp the most productive wideout last season in New England, where the Patriots are reportedly looking to bring in a top wide receiver ahead of Drake Maye's second NFL season.

The Patriots were linked to Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin before both wide receivers committed to other teams. The Pats since added Mack Hollins on a two-year deal, but could still be looking to add a veteran wideout this spring.

Kupp has struggled with injury issues over the last few seasons and is heading into his age-32 campaign, but not having to spend the spring rehabbing from injury could put him on track for a healthier 2025. The wide receiver said in January he expects to have a full offseason this spring for the first time since 2021, per TheRams.com's Stu Jackson.