Though a move that’s felt inevitable for days, the Los Angeles Rams are releasing WR Cooper Kupp, according to reports. It makes him a free agent and able to sign with any team.
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Kupp was on the trade block the last several weeks. But with no team interested in acquiring his contract and his pending release a likely outcome, the Rams had little bargaining power. Now, Kupp becomes a free agent for the first time of his career after spending eight years with Los Angeles. The Rams have kept open the door for his return but admitted the scenario wasn’t realistic.
While his trade market was cold, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo was quick to point out that Kupp is drawing NFL interest.
Colleague Peter Schrager offered even more detail, noting at least “three teams” are interested. Reporter Aaron Wilson tabs the Green Bay Packers as a “team to watch.” Perhaps the three teams Wilson lists match Schrager’s list, though Pittsburgh isn’t on it.
No longer needing to take on his contract and give up draft picks to do it, Kupp is a more attractive option for the Steelers. Though there are fair questions about his age and health — Kupp turns 32 in June and hasn’t played more than 12 games in any of the last three years — he’s still productive when available. In 2024, he caught 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns while also making plays in the playoffs, hauling in five passes for 61 yards in a Divisional Round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
A one-time All-Pro, Cooper Kupp’s best year came in 2021 when he posted video game-like numbers: 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns, winning the NFL’s triple crown as the league-leader in each category. That was the peak of his career, battling injuries with waning production since.
Still, he’s a solid slot receiver and remains able to help a passing offense. Pittsburgh’s splashy trade for DK Metcalf reduces its chances of also landing Kupp, but if the offense wants to stock the shelves with talent at receiver and perhaps lean less on the 12 and 13 personnel used a year ago, Kupp could slide in between George Pickens and Metcalf.
The Steelers are unlikely to be considered frontrunners to sign him, especially given their run-heavy nature and the odds Kupp can find more volume elsewhere.
For his career, Kupp has 634 receptions for 7,776 yards and 57 touchdowns. Winning one Super Bowl with the Rams, he’s expressed a desire to join a competitive team.
With several free agent wide receivers already signed, Kupp is one of the top names available and could find a new home within a week.
