Cooper Kupp officially put on trade block: 6 likely destinations, including the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders

In one of the more surprising moves of the 2025 NFL offseason, the Los Angeles Rams have officially placed star wide receiver Cooper Kupp on the trade block. The decision has sent shockwaves through the league, as Kupp is widely regarded as one of the most talented and productive receivers in recent years. With his combination of precise route running, exceptional hands, and ability to make plays in clutch moments, Kupp has been a key piece of the Rams’ offense since entering the NFL in 2017. The 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl LVI MVP has proven to be an elite weapon for the Rams, but his availability on the trade market raises several questions regarding Los Angeles’ future direction and Kupp’s own ambitions.
As the Rams begin to shift focus toward rebuilding and reshaping their roster, Kupp is looking for a fresh start with a team that can contend for championships in the near future. With the Rams reportedly open to moving him, numerous teams are now exploring potential trade scenarios to acquire the All-Pro receiver. Among the teams with the strongest interest are the Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Commanders, both of which are in different stages of their team-building processes but share a common goal of improving their wide receiver corps. But where else could Kupp land, and what makes these destinations particularly appealing?
In this piece, we will explore six likely trade destinations for Kupp, examining how he would fit into each team’s system, their current needs at wide receiver, and the potential impact of acquiring him. From established playoff contenders to rebuilding franchises, Kupp’s availability creates a ripple effect across the NFL landscape.
1. Baltimore Ravens: A True #1 Receiver for Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens have long been criticized for their lack of top-tier wide receiver talent to complement Lamar Jackson’s dynamic skill set. While Jackson is known for his incredible ability to extend plays with his legs and throw deep, the Ravens have struggled to consistently put together a reliable passing attack. Wide receivers like Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay have shown flashes of potential but have been inconsistent, and the team has never truly had a proven, elite receiving option for Jackson to rely on.
Enter Cooper Kupp.
Kupp’s combination of precision route running, excellent hands, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations would be a perfect fit for the Ravens, who are looking to elevate their passing game. Kupp has shown an ability to operate both in the slot and on the outside, making him versatile in any offensive system. His ability to run sharp, crisp routes and create separation would make him an ideal weapon in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system, which seeks to balance the run game with a more explosive passing attack.
For Lamar Jackson, Kupp represents the true No. 1 receiver he has never had. With his speed, shiftiness, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, Kupp would immediately become Jackson’s go-to target on critical third downs and in the red zone. Adding Kupp would give the Ravens a major boost in their attempt to develop a more dynamic and diverse offense in 2025.
The Ravens are also in a good position to make a deal, as they have the financial flexibility to take on Kupp’s contract, which includes a hefty salary but also offers a manageable cap hit in the coming years. Given the Ravens’ ongoing quest to compete for championships in a loaded AFC, Kupp could be the missing piece to push them over the top.
2. Washington Commanders: Rebuilding Around Sam Howell with a Veteran Presence
The Washington Commanders are in the early stages of a rebuild, with second-year quarterback Sam Howell poised to take over as the team’s long-term signal-caller. While Howell has shown potential, he still lacks the consistency and experience needed to lead Washington to playoff contention. However, one way to accelerate Howell’s development is to provide him with an elite weapon in the passing game, and that’s where Cooper Kupp comes in.
Kupp’s presence would be a game-changer for the Commanders’ offense. Currently, Washington’s receiving corps is headed by Terry McLaurin, one of the league’s top wideouts, but there is a significant drop-off after him. The team has struggled to find a true No. 2 option, and Kupp would instantly fill that void. His ability to run precise routes and make plays at all levels of the field would provide a reliable target for Howell, whether it be on short quick-hitting routes or downfield passes.
From a team-building perspective, adding Kupp to the fold would also give Washington an established leader in the locker room and a proven winner. Kupp’s experience in the postseason and his time playing alongside other stars like Matthew Stafford would help guide the younger players on the roster as they continue to develop. In terms of both on-field production and mentorship, Kupp would be a valuable asset to Washington as they look to build a more potent offense around Howell.
While Washington has some financial limitations, the team’s cap situation is not as dire as some other franchises, and they could feasibly make room for Kupp’s contract with a well-structured deal. Given the Commanders’ current trajectory and desire to accelerate their rebuilding process, acquiring a player of Kupp’s caliber would be a step in the right direction.
3. Buffalo Bills: Adding a Proven Playmaker to Josh Allen’s Arsenal
The Buffalo Bills have been one of the most potent offenses in the NFL in recent years, led by quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. However, despite their offensive firepower, the Bills have come up short in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title, and one area that could use an upgrade is the supporting cast around Diggs. While players like Gabriel Davis and Dawson Knox have contributed, neither has been able to consistently take the pressure off Diggs in big games.
Cooper Kupp would provide exactly what the Bills need: a proven, elite target who can make plays in clutch situations. Kupp’s ability to get open on intermediate and deep routes, combined with his strong ball skills and playmaking ability, would make him an ideal complement to Diggs. Defenses would no longer be able to focus all their attention on Diggs, as Kupp’s presence would demand respect on every snap.
Additionally, Kupp’s ability to excel in the red zone and in third-down situations would be invaluable for Allen, who could rely on his veteran receiver to keep drives alive and convert critical situations. Adding Kupp would elevate the Bills’ offense to another level, making them an even more dangerous contender in the AFC.
With the Bills operating under tight salary cap constraints, however, any trade would require creative structuring to fit Kupp’s contract within their financial framework. But given the team’s championship window, Buffalo may be willing to make a trade to push them over the top.
4. Kansas City Chiefs: Another Weapon for Patrick Mahomes
The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off a Super Bowl victory, have solidified themselves as the gold standard in the NFL under the leadership of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, while the Chiefs’ offense is among the best in the league, there are some lingering questions about the supporting cast surrounding Mahomes. Outside of star tight end Travis Kelce, the Chiefs have struggled to find a consistent, elite wide receiver to complement their MVP quarterback.
Adding Cooper Kupp to the mix would instantly address this issue. Kupp’s skill set would allow him to thrive in Kansas City’s high-powered offense, particularly in the short-to-intermediate passing game that Mahomes often favors. Kupp’s precise route running and ability to create separation would mesh perfectly with Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and make magic happen outside of the pocket.
Furthermore, Kupp’s veteran leadership and postseason experience would be invaluable in the Chiefs’ pursuit of another Super Bowl title. His ability to handle big moments and be a reliable target for Mahomes in key situations would elevate Kansas City’s offense to an even higher level.
The Chiefs have the financial flexibility to acquire Kupp, but the Rams may be hesitant to trade him within the AFC, especially to a perennial contender like Kansas City. Nevertheless, the idea of adding Kupp to an already potent offense is tantalizing, and the Chiefs would be an ideal fit for the veteran wideout.
5. Green Bay Packers: A New Era With Jordan Love
The Green Bay Packers are entering a new era following the departure of longtime quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Jordan Love is set to take over as the team’s starting quarterback, and the Packers will need to surround him with playmakers in order to ease his transition into the starting role. While Love has shown flashes of potential, a reliable, proven receiver like Cooper Kupp would be an essential asset to his development.
Kupp’s versatility and ability to make plays at all levels of the field would give Love a safety net in the passing game. With the Packers’ young receiving corps, including Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, Kupp’s experience would provide a stabilizing presence and help the team’s young quarterback develop more quickly. Furthermore, Kupp’s leadership would be invaluable in guiding Green Bay’s younger players, particularly at the wide receiver position.
Green Bay is in a rebuilding phase, but adding Kupp would give the team a legitimate playmaker to build around for the future. The Packers have the financial flexibility to make such a move, but it would depend on their willingness to make a significant trade for a veteran player as they begin a new chapter.
6. Miami Dolphins: Supercharging Tua Tagovailoa’s Weapons
The Miami Dolphins have one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a pair of explosive wide receivers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, despite their high-powered offense, the Dolphins have struggled to achieve consistent playoff success, and adding another weapon to their arsenal could put them over the top.
Kupp’s ability to operate as a reliable target in both the short and intermediate game would add a new dimension to Miami’s offense. While Hill and Waddle provide elite speed and deep-threat capabilities, Kupp offers a level of nuance and route-running precision that would complement the Dolphins’ existing dynamic playmakers. He could be the reliable, chain-moving option that Miami needs to sustain drives and be effective in critical situations.
With the Dolphins already committed to a high-powered offense, Kupp could be the missing piece to elevate them to the next level. Miami has the cap space to make a move, and the acquisition of Kupp would give them one of the most dangerous offenses in the league.