The Detroit Lions secured key pieces for their future when they traded Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. Now, the Rams are reportedly looking to move one of their star players.
Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp took to social media before the Super Bowl to announce that the team plans to trade him immediately.
“I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA,” Kupp said. “Still, if there’s one thing that I have learned over the years: there are so many things that are out of your control, but it is how you respond to these things that you will look back on and remember.”
Could the stars align once more for Lions general manager Brad Holmes to acquire one of the league’s most reliable wideouts?
Detroit has been widely mentioned as a team that might be interested in adding the 31-year-old.
“One league executive brought up Detroit to me because of the connection with Jared Goff. They came into the league together and made Pro Bowls together,” ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler recently shared on SportsCenter. “That’s the type of instant connection together that could be fun.”
While Kupp has revealed the team’s intentions, there may still be a chance for Detroit to land him without giving up any draft picks.
If no trade happens, Kupp could become a salary cap casualty, allowing Holmes to sign him for a significantly reduced price.
Kupp is under contract through the 2026 season. His cap hit for 2025 is $29.8 million and $27.3 million for the following year. The Lions have about $46.5 million in cap space for the upcoming season and $22.2 million for the following year, thanks to extensions signed prior to last season taking effect.
If the Rams release Kupp, they could save $15 million in cash and $7.5 million against the cap. He has only $5 million guaranteed for 2025