Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford’s futures are major concerns as the Rams begin their vital offseason.

As the Los Angeles Rams enter a critical offseason, the futures of wide receiver Cooper Kupp and quarterback Matthew Stafford are looming concerns that will play a significant role in shaping the team’s trajectory in the years to come. Both players are pivotal to the Rams’ success, but their futures are complicated by a mix of injury concerns, financial considerations, and questions about the direction of the franchise.

For General Manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay, the decisions regarding Kupp and Stafford are among the most consequential in the franchise’s history. Both players were central to the team’s Super Bowl-winning season in 2021, with Stafford providing the arm talent and leadership and Kupp emerging as one of the best wide receivers in the league. But as the Rams come off a disappointing season in which they missed the playoffs and struggled with injuries, Snead and McVay must evaluate whether keeping these two stars around for the long haul is the best course of action, or whether a new direction is necessary.

This article will explore the key factors surrounding Kupp and Stafford’s futures, the challenges and opportunities each presents, and how their situations will ultimately shape the future of the Los Angeles Rams.

Matthew Stafford: The Quarterback Question

When Matthew Stafford was traded to the Rams in 2021, it was seen as a game-changing move. Stafford, who had spent the first 12 years of his career with the Detroit Lions, was brought in to take the Rams to the next level. The team had been close to championship contention with Jared Goff at the helm, but it was clear that Stafford’s arm strength, leadership, and ability to make big plays would be the key to getting them over the hump.

That decision proved to be correct. Stafford’s play during the 2021 season was instrumental in the Rams’ Super Bowl victory. His connection with Cooper Kupp was one of the most potent duos in the NFL, and Stafford’s veteran presence in the postseason proved to be the missing ingredient for a championship run. However, Stafford’s success was also defined by injury struggles, which would rear their head in the following season.

In 2022, Stafford’s performance took a noticeable downturn. A neck injury kept him sidelined for part of the season, and when he did play, it was clear that he wasn’t operating at his usual level. Stafford finished the season with 10 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, a far cry from his Super Bowl-winning performance. The Rams finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, and questions surrounding Stafford’s health and long-term viability became more pronounced.

Stafford is under contract through 2024 with the Rams, and the team holds an option for the 2025 season. His contract is valued at $40 million per year, a significant financial commitment for the Rams. Given his age (35) and the injury concerns that have now popped up, the Rams must assess whether Stafford can be the long-term solution at quarterback or if it’s time to explore other options.

Key Considerations for Stafford’s Future:

1. Health and Durability: Stafford’s 2022 season was marred by injuries, including a neck issue that ultimately ended his year. The Rams will need to evaluate whether Stafford’s body can hold up for the next several seasons, especially considering the physical demands of the quarterback position. The team will need to decide if they can continue relying on him for a Super Bowl window or if his injury history is too much of a risk.
2. Performance vs. Financial Commitment: Stafford’s $40 million cap hit is significant, and if the Rams were to move on from him, they would incur a substantial dead cap hit. However, if Stafford can return to form, he might still be worth that financial commitment. The Rams will need to weigh the cost-benefit analysis: Is Stafford’s performance worth the money they are paying him?
3. Team Direction: The Rams are at a crossroads in terms of their roster construction. After winning the Super Bowl, they were forced to trade away key players in order to manage salary cap constraints. The team still has some key pieces in place, including an elite defense led by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, but there is a need for a more sustainable future. The Rams have a limited window with Stafford, and they must make a decision about whether to continue building around him or begin the process of finding his successor.

Cooper Kupp: The Cornerstone of the Offense

Cooper Kupp is undoubtedly one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. His combination of route running, hands, and football IQ has made him a favorite target for Stafford, and he was a huge factor in the Rams’ Super Bowl victory. Kupp was named Super Bowl MVP after an outstanding performance, and in the 2021 season, he led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, achieving the rare “triple crown” for a wide receiver.

However, Kupp’s health has also become a concern. He was limited to just nine games in 2022 due to a hamstring injury, which significantly impacted the Rams’ offense. Without Kupp in the lineup, the Rams struggled to generate offensive consistency, and the team’s struggles were amplified by the absence of their star receiver.

Kupp is currently under contract through 2024 with the Rams, but with the way his contract is structured, it’s likely that the team will look to extend him in the near future. Given his status as one of the best wide receivers in the league, Kupp will likely command a lucrative extension, and the Rams will have to decide whether they are willing to commit to him for the long term.

Key Considerations for Kupp’s Future:

1. Health and Longevity: The Rams must evaluate Kupp’s long-term durability. His injury history, particularly his hamstring issue in 2022, is a legitimate concern. Kupp is entering his age 30 season, and while wide receivers can often play well into their 30s, the Rams must assess whether he can maintain a high level of play for the remaining years of his contract.
2. Financial Commitment: Kupp will likely seek a contract extension, and with his production and status as one of the league’s best wide receivers, he will likely command a large deal. The Rams are already dealing with financial constraints due to Stafford’s contract and other salary cap obligations, and Snead and McVay will need to determine if they can afford to lock Kupp up for the long term while also managing the rest of the roster.
3. The Rams’ Offensive Scheme: Kupp has been the focal point of the Rams’ offense, but with the team facing some changes, particularly along the offensive line and in the backfield, the Rams need to decide how much of their offense will continue to be built around Kupp. While he is certainly a difference-maker, the Rams must also consider how they can create a more balanced offense moving forward, especially if Stafford’s performance continues to be inconsistent or if a change at quarterback is in the works.

What Should the Rams Do with Stafford and Kupp?

As the Rams head into this crucial offseason, they must make critical decisions regarding Stafford and Kupp. Both players have been integral to the team’s success, but their futures are uncertain, and the Rams face difficult choices that could have long-lasting implications.

1. Rebuild Around Stafford and Kupp: If the Rams believe that Stafford’s injury woes are behind him and that Kupp can stay healthy, they may decide to continue building around their two stars. With a solid defense and some key offensive pieces, the Rams could still be a contender for a Super Bowl if Stafford and Kupp perform at a high level. This would likely involve extending Kupp’s contract and keeping Stafford in place for the remainder of his deal, while also addressing other areas of the roster that need improvement.
2. Move On from Stafford: If the Rams believe that Stafford’s injuries are a significant concern or that he can no longer lead the team to a Super Bowl, they may look to move on from him. This would likely involve a quarterback change, whether it’s through the draft or free agency. Moving on from Stafford would be a significant financial commitment, but it could also give the Rams a chance to reset the position and potentially bring in a younger, cheaper quarterback to build around for the future.
3. Trade Kupp: Another possibility is that the Rams could explore trading Cooper Kupp, particularly if they feel that his health or contract demands are too risky for their long-term plans. Kupp would have a strong trade market, as he is one of the best receivers in the NFL, and the Rams could potentially receive valuable draft capital in return. However, this would be a bold move and would signal a shift toward rebuilding.