The Los Angeles Rams Must Make a Choice Regarding Cooper Kupp

The Los Angeles Rams are faced with an important decision regarding their star wide receiver, Cooper Kupp. As one of the most prolific players in the NFL, Kupp has been the cornerstone of the Rams’ offense in recent years. However, the time has come for the team to evaluate their options, weighing his value on the field against his contract situation, injury history, and the broader landscape of the team’s future. This article will dive into the factors that the Rams must consider in making their choice regarding Cooper Kupp, the implications of that decision, and what it could mean for both Kupp and the franchise going forward.

Cooper Kupp’s Impact on the Los Angeles Rams

When analyzing Cooper Kupp’s value to the Rams, it’s essential to first reflect on his past performance and what he has meant to the team. Kupp was drafted by the Rams in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and from the moment he stepped onto the field, it was clear that he had something special. His understanding of the game, ability to create separation, and reliable hands made him a favorite target for quarterback Jared Goff, and later Matthew Stafford.

Kupp truly emerged as one of the NFL’s elite wide receivers during the 2021 season. He became the NFL Offensive Player of the Year after leading the league in receptions (145), yards (1,947), and touchdowns (16). He was also awarded the Super Bowl MVP after the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Kupp’s chemistry with Stafford played a significant role in the Rams’ success that season, as his ability to operate in a variety of roles – from being a deep threat to working in the slot – made him an invaluable asset to the offense.

However, Kupp’s future with the Rams is not as clear-cut as it once was. Over the last few seasons, the Rams have been navigating financial challenges and roster changes that have altered the landscape of the team. Kupp is no longer the lone focal point of the Rams’ passing attack, with the team relying more on younger players like Tutu Atwell and Van Jefferson. Moreover, Kupp’s injury history has raised concerns, which could play a significant role in whether the Rams opt to extend or trade him.

Contract Situation and Financial Implications

One of the most pressing factors influencing the Rams’ decision on Kupp is his current contract situation. Kupp signed a three-year, $48 million contract extension in 2020, which currently runs through the 2023 season. He is slated to make an average of $15 million per year, which is solid but not necessarily in the range of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league. This contract structure means that the Rams will face a choice in the near future – whether to extend Kupp, trade him, or let him play out his contract before potentially moving on.

The Rams are already in a somewhat precarious financial position. Over the last several years, they have used an aggressive approach to building their roster, focusing on acquiring star players via trade and free agency. While this has led to some immediate success, it has also created salary cap constraints. Players like Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, and Matthew Stafford are all among the highest-paid at their respective positions, meaning the Rams must carefully manage their salary cap and avoid overspending on any one player, no matter how talented they are.

If the Rams choose to extend Kupp, they will have to factor in his age (he will be 31 in 2025), his injury history, and the long-term sustainability of their roster. Signing Kupp to a large extension could restrict their ability to sign other key players, especially if they continue to prioritize building around a core of veteran stars. Additionally, the Rams might also want to make sure that Kupp’s best years are still ahead of him before locking into a long-term deal that could impact the team’s financial flexibility.

Alternatively, the Rams could explore the possibility of trading Kupp. Trading a star player like Kupp would be a bold move, but one that might make sense given the team’s current financial constraints and the rise of younger talent at the wide receiver position. By trading Kupp, the Rams could free up cap space and possibly acquire draft picks or younger players who could help build for the future. However, this option comes with its own risks. Kupp is one of the most beloved players in Los Angeles, and moving on from him could be a difficult decision both from a performance and fan perspective.

Injury History and Long-Term Durability

Another important factor in the Rams’ decision regarding Kupp is his injury history. Throughout his career, Kupp has experienced a variety of injuries, though he has generally been able to recover and maintain a high level of play. His most significant injury came during the 2018 season when he tore his ACL, which sidelined him for the latter half of the season. Since then, Kupp has been relatively healthy, though he did miss several games during the 2022 and 2023 seasons with nagging injuries.

While Kupp has demonstrated impressive resilience and has returned to form following his injuries, the Rams must consider his long-term durability when making decisions about his future. Wide receivers often have shorter careers than players at other positions, particularly if they experience recurring injuries. Kupp will be entering his 30s soon, and teams are often wary of committing large sums of money to players at this stage of their careers, especially if they have a history of injuries.

The Rams could be concerned that Kupp’s best years may already be behind him, particularly if he continues to experience injuries as he ages. With a roster that already has some aging veterans, the team may want to pivot to a younger core and avoid the risk of overcommitting to a player whose health could decline over the next few seasons.

The Rams’ Offensive System and Future Direction

The Rams’ decision regarding Kupp will also be shaped by their offensive system and the future direction of the team. Under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have built an offense that is heavily reliant on passing and play action. Kupp fits perfectly into this system, as he is a versatile wide receiver who can line up in different positions and run a variety of routes. His ability to work as both a primary and secondary option in the passing game makes him a valuable asset.

However, the Rams’ offense has undergone some changes over the past few seasons. With Matthew Stafford aging and questions surrounding the long-term future of their quarterback position, the team might be forced to adapt their offensive strategy. If the Rams decide to move forward with a more run-heavy offense or implement a more balanced attack, the need for a top-tier wide receiver like Kupp could decrease. In that case, the Rams might feel that they are better off moving on from Kupp in favor of developing younger wide receivers and allocating resources elsewhere on the roster.

Furthermore, the Rams have already started investing in younger players who could take on larger roles in the passing game. Players like Tutu Atwell, Puka Nacua, and Van Jefferson have shown promise, and the Rams might be more inclined to give them opportunities to develop in order to reduce their reliance on a veteran like Kupp.