Unable to secure a trade, the Rams have decided to part ways with Cooper Kupp on their own.
Los Angeles informed the star wide receiver of his release, which became official on Wednesday at the start of the new league year, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported. By cutting Kupp before June 1, the Rams free up $7.5 million in cap space for 2025 but will absorb $22.3 million in dead money.
Kupp, who revealed on Feb. 3 that the team was actively looking to trade him, leaves as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Over eight seasons, he ranks third in Rams history in receptions (634) and receiving touchdowns (57) and fourth in receiving yards (7,776).
A third-round pick in 2017, Kupp became a key playmaker but reached new heights in 2021 after Matthew Stafford’s arrival. That season, he led the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns—winning the receiving triple crown and Offensive Player of the Year. He then continued his dominance in the playoffs, recording 119.5 yards per game and six touchdowns, including two in Super Bowl LVI, where he earned MVP honors as the Rams secured the championship.
https://twitter.com/CooperKupp/status/1899928503312941118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1899928503312941118%7Ctwgr%5Eb6b8c1180edf71f5bec6a4454c0fc28173a49840%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fnews%2Frams-to-release-all-pro-wr-cooper-kupp-after-failing-to-find-trade
However, injuries have plagued him since, forcing him to miss 17 games over the last three seasons. From 2022 to 2024, his total production barely surpassed his historic 2021 season by 56 catches, 312 yards, and one touchdown. His final stretch in L.A. was particularly underwhelming, averaging just two catches for 28.2 yards per game over his last five contests.
Despite his recent struggles, Kupp is expected to draw significant interest in free agency as he enters his age-32 season. If his late-season dip was more due to lingering effects from a high ankle sprain rather than permanent decline, his elite route-running, reliable hands, and football IQ could still make him a valuable asset.
With Kupp gone, the Rams are shifting focus to their new receiving core, led by breakout star Puka Nacua and recent addition Davante Adams, who is expected to take on a major role in the offense.
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