After failing to find an interested suitor, the Los Angeles Rams have decided to release wide receiver Cooper Kupp. This move isn’t much of a surprise, as the wide receiver market is saturated with veteran talent and nobody wanted to surrender a draft pick for an expensive player on the wrong side of 30 who hasn’t played a full season since 2021. However, while Kupp’s injuries led to his Los Angeles departure, he’s still a productive player who should have a strong market now that he’s no longer tied to his previous contract.
BREAKING: Los Angeles Rams Release Cooper Kupp
Possible Fits
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have been one of free agency’s biggest spenders, and it’s easy to see why. Entering the legal tampering period with the most cap space in the league, the Patriots had holes at every position other than quarterback. While the team fortified the defense and began to fix the offensive line with the Morgan Moses signing, they still need to improve the wide receiver room. The team swung and missed on Chris Godwin, and Mack Hollins is nothing more than a journeyman. Cooper Kupp would easily be the best receiver on this roster, and the five-time captain could be the ideal mentor for this young depth chart.
Los Angeles Chargers
Like the Patriots, the Los Angeles Chargers have been active in free agency but still need to address part of the roster. Ladd McConkey remains the only reliable wide receiver on the roster, and their depth took a hit when veteran Josh Palmer signed with the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win games by running the football, but even he knows this wide receiver depth chart isn’t good enough as currently built. McConkey and Kupp have similar skillsets, but a good offensive coordinator will find a way to utilize two players who can line up wide or in the slot.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver room is a massive question mark. While Marquise Brown is returning, DeAndre Hopkins is now a Raven and youngsters Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy may face league discipline for their offseason behavior. With Travis Kelce no longer capable of carrying a passing attack, the Chiefs need someone to step up and help this team return to their Super Bowl-winning ways.
Las Vegas Raiders
Despite finishing the 2024 season with a 4-13 record, first-year head coach Pete Carroll believes this team can make some noise in 2025. He’s already upgraded the quarterback position with the Geno Smith trade, which should net them a few wins. However, while Smith is a good quarterback, he’s not good enough to bring a team to the playoffs without a strong supporting cast. Jakobi Meyers is a reliable wide receiver, but this team needs another weapon to have a shot at the postseason. Following his Rams release, Cooper Kupp could land with the Raiders, as head coach Pete Carroll is familiar with his game from all their shared encounters in the NFC West.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have a depth chart loaded with promising but relatively unproven pass-catchers. While Adam Thielen currently plays the role of the established veteran, Bryce Young could use another proven set of hands in case Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, or tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders cannot make the Year 2 leap. Cooper Kupp is a solid fit for Young’s skillset, and he should be interested in joining an up-and-coming squad following his Rams release.
Main Photo: Bill Streicher – Imagn Images