The Los Angeles Rams are at a crossroads. Three years after winning Super Bowl 56, the franchise appears ready to part ways with two of its star players, shocking both teammates and fans while foreshadowing a dramatic roster shift. The Matthew Stafford trade rumors are running rampant, and L.A. is actively looking to move Cooper Kupp, its triple crown-winning Super Bowl MVP and the heart of their passing game.
It’s a stunning development, considering Kupp’s historic 2021 season, in which he led the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. But with injuries taking a toll and a massive contract looming, the Rams are looking to reset their roster. Moving Kupp before his contract becomes a major hurdle seems to be a priority.
Insider Believes Rams Could Trade Cooper Kupp Before Mid-March
In a recent article, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shed light on the Rams’ timeline and a potential return for Kupp, noting that a deal could come sooner rather than later.
“I think they agree to a trade before the beginning of the league year in mid-March,” Breer said. “As for the return, I’d say it’s probably a Day 3 pick. Remember, the contract will weigh down any negotiation. He’s due a $7.5 million roster bonus on St. Patrick’s Day (hence the urgency to move him before then), with $5 million of it fully guaranteed, and another $12.5 million in nonguaranteed base salary.
“He’s not going to make all $20 million next year. So the Rams’ willingness to pay some of (or even all of) the roster bonus, and Kupp’s willingness to take less in base salary, will be needed to make a deal happen.”
The financial aspect makes this situation tricky. While Kupp still possesses elite talent, the reality is that most teams won’t be eager to take on his full salary. That means the Rams might have to eat some of Kupp’s contract or accept a minimal return — possibly a fourth- or fifth-round pick — to get the deal done.
The L.A. Rams Could Move On From Their Super Bowl Core
Trading Kupp isn’t just a one-off move — it’s part of a larger shift in philosophy for the Rams. The franchise is reportedly looking to extend Stafford, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, but a trade for Stafford could theoretically be on the table if an impasse can not be overcome, signaling an organizational pivot toward a younger, cheaper roster.
Just had @AdamSchefter on Talkin' Ball with Pat Leonard. He told me "there is no way in hell that the #Giants are giving up the third overall pick for Matthew Stafford" if trade talks ever occur. But it might not even come to that.
Schefter said the #Rams' "first priority" is to… pic.twitter.com/vKUqwoXSQA
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN)
At 31 years old, Kupp still has value, particularly to teams that need a proven weapon in the slot. If the Rams can move him quickly, they’ll avoid paying his hefty roster bonus and free up cap space for the future. One NFL insider believes a couple of contenders have a good chance of landing Kupp.
Whether it’s a true rebuild or just a retooling, one thing is clear: The Rams aren’t clinging to the past. They’re ready to make big changes, and Kupp or Stafford could be the next dominoes to fall.
