The Los Angeles Rams have the opportunity to save a significant amount of money by cutting veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason. With trade rumors swirling around him during the 2024 season, his future with the team remains uncertain.
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has taken notice and has started recruiting Kupp to Foxboro. On Monday, Kupp told reporters that he plans to continue playing in the 2025 season and believes he still has “a lot of good football left,” though he admitted his future with the Rams is unclear.
“Who knows what’s going to happen?” Kupp said. “That’s out of my control. We’ll see how it all plays out. … I don’t have any clarity on what it’s going to look like.” While he expressed his desire to stay in Los Angeles, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his situation.
Under his current contract, Kupp, 31, carries a $29.7 million cap hit in 2025 and a $27.3 million cap hit in 2026. Releasing him would allow the Rams to save $15 million in cash and $7.5 million in cap space—or $22.2 million in dead cap if he is designated as a post-June 1 cut.
Once considered one of the league’s premier receivers and quarterback Matthew Stafford’s top target, Kupp’s production has declined. He managed 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games this season. Injuries have also been a recurring issue, as he has missed 18 games over the past three seasons. Meanwhile, Puka Nacua has emerged as the Rams’ top receiving option, with 79 catches for 990 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games.
Given Kupp’s hefty contract and Nacua’s rise, the Rams might consider him expendable.
As for the Patriots, they are in desperate need of offensive playmakers to support their young quarterback, Drake Maye. While the Rams haven’t decided on Kupp’s future, if they do part ways with him, New England could be a logical landing spot.
