Though a move that’s felt inevitable for days, the Los Angeles Rams are releasing WR Cooper Kupp. It makes him a free agent and able to sign with any team.
https:/twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1899883681172632051
Kupp was on the trade block the last several weeks. But with no team interested in acquiring his contract and his pending release a likely outcome, the Rams had little bargaining power. Now, Kupp becomes a free agent for the first time of his career after spending the eight years with Los Angeles. The Rams kept open the door for his return but admitted the scenario wasn’t realistic.
While his trade market was cold, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo was quick to point out Kupp is drawing NFL interest.
Colleague Peter Schrager offers even more detail, noting at least “three teams” are interested. Reporter Aaron Wilson tabs the Green Bay Packers as a “team to watch.” Perhaps the three teams Wilson lists match Schrager’s list, though Pittsburgh isn’t on it.
I know of 3 teams that are interested in Cooper Kupp. The question is what it will cost to sign him and what he and his reps are looking for $ wise. He certainly will be motivated and has good football left in the tank.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 12, 2025
No longer needing to take on his contract and needing to give up draft picks to do it, Kupp is a more attractive acquisition. Though there’s fair questions over his age and health, he turns 32 in June and hasn’t played more than 12 games in any of the last three years, he’s still productive when available. In 2024, he caught 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns while also making plays in the playoffs, hauling in five passes for 61 yards in a Divisional loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
A one-time All-Pro, Cooper Kupp’s best year came in 2021 when he posted video-game like numbers: 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns, winning the NFL’s triple crown as the league-leader in each category. That was the peak of his career, battling injuries with waning production since.
Still, he’s a solid slot receiver and remains able to help a passing offense. Pittsburgh’s splashy trade of DK Metcalf reduces the chances of also landing Kupp, but if the offense wants to stock the shelves with talent at receiver and perhaps leans less on the 12 and 13 personnel used a year ago, Kupp could slide in-between George Pickens and Metcalf.
The Steelers are unlikely to be considered frontrunners to sign him, especially given their run-heavy nature and the odds Kupp can find more volume elsewhere.
For his career, Kupp has 634 receptions for 7,776 yards and 57 touchdowns. Winning one Super Bowl with the Rams, he’s expressed a desire to join a competitive team.
With several free agent wide receivers already signed, Kupp is one of the top names available and could find a home within a week.
Recommended for you