After a rival grab, the Dallas Cowboys make a daring move that shocks the NFL: is a Cooper Kupp trade imminent?

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to bold moves. With a storied history and a fan base that expects nothing less than greatness, the Cowboys are constantly in the spotlight when it comes to big decisions. In 2025, one of those decisions may involve an audacious trade for a star that could catapult the Cowboys into Super Bowl contention: Cooper Kupp, the dynamic wide receiver of the Los Angeles Rams.

The Cowboys’ offense has been a topic of much discussion in recent seasons. While they have flashes of brilliance, especially with quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, the offense has often fallen short in critical moments, particularly in the playoffs. If the Cowboys hope to take the next step and compete with the NFL’s elite teams—especially the high-powered offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers—they need more firepower. And there are few players in the league as accomplished and consistent as Kupp, who has proven himself as a top-tier wide receiver and a game-changer for the Rams.

But could the Cowboys make a move for Kupp? Would a trade for the superstar wide receiver be a viable option, and would it be enough to push the Cowboys into Super Bowl contention? This article will break down the implications of such a move, the current situation surrounding Kupp and the Rams, and how the Cowboys could acquire the former Super Bowl MVP. We’ll also analyze the potential impact of a Cooper Kupp trade on the Cowboys’ offense, their chances for a championship, and the ripple effects it would have on the broader NFL landscape.

The Dallas Cowboys: An Offense in Need of a Game-Changer

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2025 season with a talented roster, particularly on defense, where players like Micah Parsons have turned the Cowboys’ D into one of the league’s most formidable units. However, the offense has been inconsistent. Dak Prescott is a solid quarterback but has struggled with turnovers and hasn’t been able to fully deliver when it matters most—especially in the postseason. Despite the emergence of CeeDee Lamb as a true No. 1 wide receiver, the Cowboys’ passing game still lacks that additional dynamic playmaker who can truly put defenses on their heels.

In 2024, the Cowboys made it to the playoffs but once again fell short in the Divisional Round, this time at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. While the defense played admirably, the offense faltered when it needed to step up. The absence of a proven, game-breaking wide receiver outside of Lamb was apparent. The Cowboys’ passing game has struggled to find a consistent second option, and while Michael Gallup and others have had their moments, none have been able to reliably stretch the field or create matchups that force defenses to pay attention on every play.

The solution? A player like Cooper Kupp.

Cooper Kupp: A Proven Superstar

Cooper Kupp’s resume speaks for itself. The 2021 Super Bowl MVP, Kupp’s 2021 season was one for the ages, as he led the NFL in receiving yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16), and was named First-Team All-Pro and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year. His ability to dominate both in the slot and on the outside, combined with his elite route running, precise hands, and connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford, makes him one of the most feared wide receivers in the league.

Even after his 2021 breakout, Kupp continued to deliver elite-level performances in the seasons that followed, although injuries hampered his production at times. In 2023, Kupp played in only nine games due to a hamstring injury but still managed to put up over 800 receiving yards and six touchdowns. While the Rams have been in a bit of a rebuild post-Super Bowl victory, Kupp remains one of the few constants in their offense, and his talent has not gone unnoticed by other NFL teams.

Kupp’s skill set is the type of asset the Cowboys desperately need. While CeeDee Lamb has the ability to stretch the field and be a deep threat, Kupp offers a reliable, possession-oriented option who can dominate the middle of the field and create mismatches against cornerbacks and safeties. His route running is among the best in the NFL, and his ability to gain separation is something that would instantly make the Cowboys’ offense more difficult to defend.

In a perfect world for the Cowboys, Kupp would immediately provide Dak Prescott with a second elite option in the passing game, allowing Lamb to get more favorable matchups. Whether in critical moments of the game or on a key third down, Kupp’s ability to perform under pressure would give Dallas an edge in high-stakes situations, which has been one of their greatest weaknesses in recent seasons.

Why Would the Rams Trade Cooper Kupp?

Given Kupp’s importance to the Rams, the idea of trading him might seem far-fetched. However, the Rams have been in a state of flux since their Super Bowl victory in 2022. After winning the championship, Los Angeles made several big moves—most notably trading for quarterback Matthew Stafford and loading up on veteran stars like Jalen Ramsey and Von Miller. However, as the team dealt with injuries and a lack of depth, they found themselves in a rebuilding phase that led to several tough decisions about their future.

In 2024, the Rams had a disappointing season, missing the playoffs with a 7-10 record. Their cap situation is also a major concern, with several large contracts on the books, including Stafford’s and Kupp’s. As the Rams look to rebuild and add younger talent, trading Kupp could be a financial necessity, especially if they’re unwilling to carry his hefty contract for the next few years.

Kupp is under contract with the Rams through the 2026 season, but his cap hit for 2025 is expected to be over $20 million. For a team in a rebuild, that’s a lot of money tied up in a player who doesn’t necessarily fit into their long-term plans. Trading Kupp would allow the Rams to save cap space, which they could reinvest into younger players or additional draft picks to build for the future.

From the Rams’ perspective, dealing Kupp would be a tough decision, but it could also be a strategic one. The wide receiver market in the NFL is currently booming, and the Rams could likely get a strong return for Kupp, particularly from a contender like the Cowboys. The Rams would have to balance their desire to remain competitive with the need to build for the future, and if Kupp is a player they feel they can move without sacrificing too much in terms of production, the idea of a trade becomes more feasible.

How Could the Cowboys Acquire Kupp?

For the Cowboys to acquire Cooper Kupp, a trade would need to be structured in a way that makes sense for both teams. Financially, Dallas could look to offer players or draft picks that could help the Rams in their rebuilding effort. Given that the Cowboys have a relatively stable cap situation and have several players on modest contracts, they could free up enough space to absorb Kupp’s contract.

One potential trade package could include a combination of a high draft pick—perhaps a first-rounder or a second-rounder—and a player or two that the Rams could use to help improve their depth. Players like wide receiver Michael Gallup, who could potentially benefit from a change of scenery, or defensive players who are on relatively inexpensive contracts could be attractive to the Rams as part of a rebuilding effort. Additionally, the Cowboys could consider restructuring other contracts to make the financials work.

The Rams, for their part, would likely seek a return that includes young talent and/or draft capital. For the Cowboys, giving up one of their first-round picks for the 2025 draft would be a tough pill to swallow, but the acquisition of Kupp would immediately elevate their chances of competing for a Super Bowl. The Cowboys could also consider including a package of draft picks spread out over several seasons, which could provide the Rams with more flexibility in their rebuilding process.

What Does a Kupp Trade Mean for the Cowboys?

If the Cowboys pull the trigger on a trade for Cooper Kupp, it would immediately give them one of the most dynamic and dangerous wide receiver tandems in the NFL. A Prescott-to-Kupp connection would quickly become one of the most lethal in the league, giving the Cowboys an incredible advantage in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title.

With Kupp on the roster, Dak Prescott would have a proven, reliable target who can win contested catches, create separation, and be a difference-maker in the most critical moments. The addition of Kupp would also allow CeeDee Lamb to see more favorable matchups, making it even more difficult for opposing defenses to game-plan against the Cowboys’ offense. Additionally, Kupp’s ability to run precise routes and create separation would open up the running game as well, giving Tony Pollard more room to operate in space.

A trade for Kupp would signal the Cowboys’ intent to go all-in for a Super Bowl run in 2025. It would show that the franchise is willing to make bold moves in order to build a championship-caliber roster, and with their defense already elite, a more potent offense could be the missing piece.

 A Move That Could Define the Cowboys’ Future

As the 2025 NFL season looms, the Dallas Cowboys have a chance to make one of the most significant moves in franchise history. Trading for Cooper Kupp would send a clear message that the Cowboys are serious about winning the Super Bowl and willing to do whatever it takes to assemble a championship-caliber team.

The Rams may be ready to move on from Kupp, and the Cowboys are in a position to capitalize on that. If they can structure a deal that works for both teams, the Cowboys would instantly become one of the most dangerous offenses in the league. With Kupp in the fold, the Cowboys could finally have the star power they need to compete with the best of the best and, perhaps, claim their first Super Bowl title in nearly three decades.