Cooper Kupp, the star wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, has expressed his disappointment after the team informed him of their intention to trade him. This decision comes after Kupp’s eight-year tenure with the franchise, during which he played a pivotal role in their Super Bowl victory in 2021. Kupp took to social media to share his feelings, stating that he never expected his journey with the Rams to end this way.
Key Takeaways
- Cooper Kupp has been informed by the Rams that they are seeking to trade him.
- Kupp expressed disappointment, stating he believed his career would begin and end in Los Angeles.
- The Rams are looking to clear salary cap space, as Kupp’s contract is significant.
- Kupp has dealt with injuries in recent seasons, impacting his performance.
Kupp’s Reaction to Trade News
In a heartfelt message on social media, Kupp shared his thoughts on the trade decision. He stated, “I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA. Still, if there’s one thing that I have learned over the years: there are so many things that are out of your control, but it is how you respond to these things that you will look back on and remember.”
Kupp’s statement reflects his deep connection to the Rams and the Los Angeles community, where he has spent his entire NFL career since being drafted in 2017.
Performance Overview
Kupp’s performance has been stellar at times, particularly during the 2021 season when he won the NFL’s triple crown, leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. However, injuries have plagued him in recent years, limiting his effectiveness on the field. Here’s a brief overview of his recent seasons:
| Season | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 16 | 145 | 1,947 | 16 |
| 2022 | 9 | 75 | 812 | 6 |
| 2023 | 12 | 59 | 737 | 5 |
| 2024 | 12 | 67 | 710 | 6 |
Future Implications
The Rams’ decision to trade Kupp is likely influenced by their need to manage salary cap space. Kupp is under contract for two more seasons, with a significant cap hit that the Rams may want to alleviate. His current contract includes a $20 million salary for 2025, which could be a deterrent for potential trade partners unless renegotiated.
Kupp’s departure would mark the end of an era for the Rams, who have seen him as a cornerstone of their offense. As the team looks to rebuild and adjust their roster, Kupp’s future remains uncertain, but he has expressed a strong desire to continue competing for championships.
Conclusion
As Cooper Kupp prepares for a potential move away from the Rams, he remains focused on his health and performance. He stated, “Preparations start now for 2025. Highly motivated, as healthy as ever, and looking forward to playing elite football for years to come. Love you guys… But coming for it all.” This determination suggests that wherever he lands, Kupp will be ready to make an impact.
Sources
- Cooper Kupp says the Rams told the star receiver they are going to trade him – The Athletic, The New York Times.
- Cooper Kupp says the Rams intend to trade him. He’s disappointed to end his 8 years with the team | AP News, AP News.
- Rams’ Cooper Kupp says team will look to trade him in offseason | Fox News, Fox News.
- Cooper Kupp said the Rams are working to trade him immediately: ‘I don’t agree with the decision’ – Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports.
- Cooper Kupp says Rams informed him they are ‘seeking’ to trade him ‘immediately’, NFL.com.
