Los Angeles, California – Cooper Kupp’s time with the Los Angeles Rams may be coming to an end as reports surface that the team is actively seeking to trade the star receiver. Kupp, who is set to earn a substantial $20 million in 2025, could be on the move as the Rams look to offload his contract to free up cap space and acquire assets in return.
The Rams will likely have to eat a significant portion of Kupp’s hefty salary in any potential trade deal, making it a challenging negotiation process. With $12.5 million in salary and a $7.5 million roster bonus on the line, finding a team willing to take on Kupp’s salary demands while also offering fair compensation will be no easy task for the Rams.
If Kupp refuses to renegotiate his contract with a new team, the Rams will have to make a tough decision – either pay him the full $20 million or release him and owe $5 million. This puts pressure on the Rams to sweeten the deal by offering more cash or cap space to facilitate a trade agreement.
One possibility is for the Rams to pay Kupp the $7.5 million roster bonus and hold onto him until a suitable trade offer materializes. However, this strategy could limit Kupp’s options in finding a new team, especially if he is cut late in the offseason and struggles to secure a contract that matches his market value.
The negotiation process could ultimately push Kupp to consider accepting a reduced salary, especially if no other team is willing to match the Rams’ offer. With his contract running through 2026, a revised agreement could potentially see Kupp become a free agent sooner than expected if he agrees to a reduced deal with the Rams.
Kupp’s decision to make his trade situation public adds another layer of complexity to the negotiation process, potentially impacting his willingness to accept a pay cut to remain with the Rams. The presence of offset language in his contract could also influence his decision-making process, as the Rams may have the ability to reduce their financial obligations if Kupp signs with a new team.
As the Rams navigate the delicate process of trading Kupp, the ultimate goal is to find a mutually beneficial solution that allows the team to move forward while securing fair compensation for the star receiver. The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape Kupp’s future in the NFL but also have significant implications for the Rams’ salary cap management and roster composition moving forward.