The Los Angeles Rams are in an even trickier situation now with their star wide receiver Cooper Kupp. But, their bed is made, and now they must lie in it.
The last 24 hours or so have featured a lot of reasons to make Rams fans happy. They are bringing back quarterback Matthew Stafford for another run at a Super Bowl after coming fairly close last season, as well as an extension for one of the more underrated offensive linemen in the league in Alaric Jackson on a three-year contract that includes $35 million in guarantees.
But, the one thing still lingering is the potential Cooper Kupp trade. The Rams have been seeking a trade partner for one of the most prolific wide receivers in the league. But injuries have set him back in his career a bit after having maybe the greatest season ever by a wide receiver in 2021, where Kupp set Rams franchise records with 145 receptions and 1,947 receiving yards. His 16 touchdowns that season were just one shy of Elroy Hirsch’s team record of 17, set in 1951. Kupp also won the triple crown that year—leading the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns—making him the first player to do so since Steve Smith Sr.
And, the likelihood of getting a good trade done for the Rams was already looking a bit rough. But, now it's going to be even trickier, and it has absolutely nothing to do with what they've done this offseason.
Deebo Samuel trade hurts Rams and potential Cooper Kupp trade
On Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick. Samuel is one of the league's best wide receivers despite dealing with a ton of injuries. But, he's also on an expiring contract, which only hurt his trade value even more.
A fifth-round pick seems low, but that's likely the most the 49ers were offered via a trade. So, they pretty much had to take the offer. Samuel, who was due $21.7 million in 2025, will now play alongside Jaden Daniels, making the Commanders an even bigger threat this upcoming season.
In 2025, Cooper Kupp is due to make $20 million, which includes a base salary of $12.5 million and a roster bonus of $7.5 million, part of a three-year, $80.35 million contract extension he signed with the Rams in 2022. And it's starting to become more and more likely that to trade Kupp, the Rams could have to pay some of his 2025 compensation.
Not only that, but getting a fifth-round pick from the Commanders for Samuel makes it seem like the Rams could get even less. They'll be lucky to get a day-three pick at this rate.
In 12 games he recorded 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns, including his final five games recording only 12 catches for 162 yards and no touchdowns. It's clear he's on a decline and that the Rams are all in on running mate Puka Nacua.
