While looking for a trade partner for Cooper Kupp, the Rams are open to covering part of the funds left on the star wide receiver’s deal, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Kupp will earn $20MM in 2025, consisting of a $12.5MM base salary and a $7.5MM roster bonus for the 90-man roster that is payable on March 17, according to Over The Cap. Of that bonus, $5MM became entirely guaranteed in 2024.
A trade before June 1 would necessitate the Rams to take on the remaining prorations of Kupp’s signing bonus as a $17.26MM dead cap charge in 2025. This would enable them to address other needs in free agency with extra resources in this year’s draft.
Delaying until after June 1 would enable the Rams to transfer $7.48MM of dead money to 2026, but they would also have to cover Kupp’s 2025 roster bonus, effectively nullifying the deferment. The postponement would also cost them 2025 draft picks along with the chance to sign premier free agents in March.
Thus, the Rams prefer to finalize a trade before the new league year begins, highlighting their readiness to take on additional portions of Kupp’s contract. Historically, the Rams have given a roster bonus in advance to absorb salary cap space to help facilitate a trade, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. That would strengthen the market for Kupp, who is anticipated to attract interests because of his reputation as a skilled, intelligent, and adaptable playmaker. If the Rams can ease the financial strain of obtaining the 31-year-old, his age and recent injuries would be the sole remaining issues.
Kupp’s abilities would suit nearly any NFL offense, but some teams will be a better match than others. According to Fowler, the teams included are the Steelers, the Commanders, and the Patriots. Pittsburgh showed interest at the 2024 trade deadline, while both Washington and New England possess ample cap space and young quarterbacks who could gain from having a seasoned, quarterback-friendly receiver such as Kupp. The Lions possess sufficient cap space to accommodate his contract along with Kupp’s previous teammate, Jared Goff, as their quarterback.