The Los Angeles Rams released wide receiver Cooper Kupp after failing to find another club willing to trade for him. With the former Super Bowl MVP now hitting free agency, NFL rumors have shed light on a competitive market for his services.
Kupp, who turns 32 in June, had spent the entirety of his career in Los Angeles after being selected with the 69th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. By 2021, he seemed to emerge as one of the best pass-catchers in the NFL and helped the Rams win the Super Bowl in the same season he won Offensive Player of the Year.
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- Cooper Kupp stats 2024 (ESPN): 67 receptions, 710 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns
However, the Rams front office quickly made it clear this offseason that they were likely moving on from him. Kupp’s name first surfaced as a trade candidate in NFL rumors, but no teams were willing to give up draft compensation for him knowing he would eventually be released. Now that he’s a free agent, there’s a robust market for his services.
Latest news on market for Cooper Kupp, contract demands
Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reported that the Seattle Seahawks are “right at the front” of the market for Kupp. It’s a reasonable landing spot following the DK Metcalf trade and the release of Tyler Lockett, with Seattle also offering a homecoming for the Washington native.
Karen Guregian of MassLive.com reported that the New England Patriots have reached out to Kupp’s representation with interest in signing him. NFL Network also reported that the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars are eyeing Kupp. Additionally, the Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders all have interest in the Pro Bowl receiver.
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Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal spoke to one league source who described Kupp’s contract asking price as “insane” in comparison to the caliber of player he is now. While Kupp does have numerous suitors, teams have a reason to believe he’s diminished from his career-best form.
- Cooper Kupp career stats: 634 receptions, 7,776 receiving yards, 57 touchdowns in 104 games
After an outstanding three-year stretch from 2019-2021 – 331 receptions, 4,082 receiving yards (85 receiving yards per game) and 29 touchdowns in 48 games – Kupp’s production and availability have plummeted. Over the last three seasons, he’s failed to eclipse 820 receiving yards once, totaling 2,259 receiving yards (68.5 per game) in 33 contests.
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It’s one of the reasons why the Rams released him outright instead of pursuing a pay cut with the former All-Pro wideout. For now, Kupp seems to be weighing the money on the table just as much as he’s considering which club offers him the best opportunity. A decision could be imminent, with Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reporting that Kupp will likely have picked his new team by the weekend.