James Atama
The Los Angeles Rams’ decision on receiver Cooper Kupp’s future remains uncertain after their 2024 season.
Initially, the team had considered trading Kupp before they turned their season around. However, with Kupp expressing his confidence in returning for the 2025 season, doubts exist about the Rams’ intentions to retain him.
According to ESPN, Kupp expressed uncertainty about his future with the team. “Who knows what’s going to happen?” he said. “That’s out of my control. And we will see what it’s going to be. . . . I don’t have any clarity on what that’s going to look like or anything like that.”
Kupp’s situation has shifted significantly over the past three years, going from being a key player and a Super Bowl MVP to taking a backseat to Puka Nacua in the passing game. With a 2025 contract worth $20 million, including a $5 million guarantee, Kupp may have to accept a lower salary if he stays with the Rams.
A key decision for Kupp and the Rams will come in the form of a $7.5 million roster bonus due at the start of the league year. This payment includes the $5 million guarantee. If he decides to leave, he’ll likely have to take a pay cut, while if he stays, it’s possible he’ll restructure his contract or accept a reduced salary.
There are four possible scenarios for Kupp’s future: he could remain under his current contract, rework his deal, be traded, or be released. The Rams may choose to allow the roster bonus to be paid and then trade him later in the offseason, possibly after the draft when they would owe only $12.5 million.
