Cooper Kupp’s Future with the Los Angeles Rams Uncertain
Cooper Kupp, the Los Angeles Rams’ former All-Pro receiver, is unsure if his eight-year career with the team has come to an end. Although he is under contract for the next two seasons, the massive size of his deal could compel the Rams to part ways with their Super Bowl 56 MVP.
Kupp’s contract extension, signed after his landmark 2021-22 season, is a three-year, $80.1 million deal. However, the math on his contract for 2025 is daunting, with him due to take up nearly $30 million in cap space. The Rams could save about two-thirds of that by releasing Kupp, who will be 32 next season.
The Rams also could try to work with Kupp on a restructuring, but Kupp knows this front office is not a sentimental place. General manager Les Snead has released or traded Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, and Robert Woods before their own contract extensions had even begun.
Despite the uncertainty, Kupp is not retiring. He feels like he has a lot of good football left in him and will definitely be playing next year. The Rams’ season was frustrating for Kupp, both due to his latest injury and limited production after he returned to health.
Kupp’s numbers were not impressive by his lofty standards, with 67 catches for 710 yards and six TDs. He had just 12 catches for 162 yards in the final five games of the regular season, the least productive stretch of his career. He seemed to indicate he would have preferred a more prominent role in coach Sean McVay’s offense down the stretch.
The Rams’ offseason plans will also hinge on quarterback Matthew Stafford, who said he will “take some time to think about” his future. However, Stafford sounded optimistic about a return, even moments after fumbling twice in the fourth quarter of a disheartening loss.
The Rams have several big decisions to make this offseason, including the fate of left tackle Alaric Jackson, who is in line for a big payday after a solid season. Other unrestricted free agents include receiver Tutu Atwell, veteran tackle Joe Noteboom, linebacker and special teams standout Michael Hoecht, and defensive lineman Bobby Brown.