Cooper Kupp landing spots: 10 teams that could consider trading for Rams WR…

Cooper Kupp landing spots: 10 teams that could consider trading for Rams WR

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva



Cooper Kupp’s time with the Los Angeles Rams is going to end after eight seasons. The wide receiver announced that the team is seeking to trade him immediately, a decision he doesn’t agree with after believing he’d finish his career with the Rams.

The team will work with Kupp to find a landing spot that suits him, and there should be plenty of teams that at least inquire about trading for him. His contract will be a major hurdle and it’s possible the Rams won’t be able to get a deal done, but whether it’s via trade or cut, Kupp will be playing somewhere next season.

These 10 teams all make some logical sense as landing spots for Kupp in 2025.

1

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers were a natural fit for Kupp back in October when the Rams were getting (and making?) calls about the wide receiver and they remain a logical landing spot now, too. They’re a storied franchise with a history of winning and getting to the playoffs, which should suit Kupp’s desires when it comes to playing for a championship-caliber team.

Of course, they need to find a quarterback first but they have an immediate need at wide receiver. And perhaps Kupp’s veteran leadership can help set George Pickens on the right path after some questionable behavior on the field in Pittsburgh.

2

Los Angeles Chargers

The Rams are going to work with Kupp to find his next team and if he wants to stay in Los Angeles, well, the Chargers are a natural landing spot. It would all Kupp to keep his family where it’s been for the last eight years, getting to play in the same stadium as he was with the Rams.

Plus, he’d get to play alongside Justin Herbert, while also teaming up with the electric Ladd McConkey to give the Chargers two excellent route runners. The Chargers have the cap space to get it done, too.

While we don’t know Kupp’s preferred landing spots, the Chargers would make a lot of sense simply from a proximity standpoint.

3

Dallas Cowboys

It was painfully clear that the Cowboys were lacking weapons around CeeDee Lamb last season. Kupp would give Dak Prescott a security blanket and a chain-mover on third down, giving new coach Brian Schottenheimer a new receiver to work with.

Kupp wouldn’t prevent Lamb from playing in the slot where he’s been so dangerous because both receivers can line up just about anywhere on the field, but he would give defenses another pass catcher to think about when game planning for the Cowboys.

Plus, his presence underneath could open up things down the field for Lamb.

4

Minnesota Vikings

How about reuniting with his former offensive coordinator in Minnesota? The Vikings have been a popular landing spot for members of the Rams, with Kevin O’Connell, Wes Phillips, Cam Akers, Johnny Mundt and others all spending time in Minnesota over the last few years.

The Vikings already have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at wide receiver, but adding a legitimate No. 3 option to go with them could unlock the offense – especially with J.J. McCarthy expected to take over under center.

And they have Super Bowl potential, which fits with what Kupp is looking for.

5

Washington Commanders

The Commanders have the third-most cap space in the NFL and could use a wide receiver to go with Terry McLaurin. Kupp would be a perfect complement to the electric McLaurin on the outside, giving Jayden Daniels a reliable target underneath who can draw coverage away from McLaurin.

The Commanders really lacked a No. 2 option all last year and the fact that Zach Ertz caught 11 passes in the playoff loss to the Eagles tells you everything you need to know about their lack of weapons around McLaurin.

6

Houston Texans

Nick Caley just left the Rams to become the Texans’ offensive coordinator, so Kupp would have a familiar face on the coaching staff in Houston. Plus, he’d get to play with one of the best young quarterbacks in football in C.J. Stroud. DeMeco Ryans has this team on the rise and with Nico Collins being the unquestioned No. 1 receiver on the depth chart, it would allow Kupp to play more of a complementary role in the slot.

The Texans don’t have a lot of cap space but from a fit and need standpoint, they make a lot of sense for Kupp – especially with Tank Dell’s injury and Stefon Diggs’ uncertain future.

7

Buffalo Bills

The Bills are knocking on the door of a Super Bowl each and every year, and Kupp could be just what they need to get over the hump. Adding a veteran leader like him to a young receiver room that features Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir would be highly beneficial, giving Josh Allen yet another playmaker in the middle of the field.

The Bills would absolutely satisfy Kupp’s championship-caliber criteria, perhaps better than any other team in the league. And while Buffalo would need to figure out the cap part of it, this could be a perfect fit for the eight-year veteran.

8

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs took big swings on DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown this past year but they’ll both be free agents. Rashee Rice will be back in 2025 but Travis Kelce is getting older and Kansas City isn’t exactly flush with talent at wide receiver for Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs were floated as a potential landing spot for Kupp before they traded for Hopkins last season and it’s logical to think they could still go after him following the Super Bowl. Kupp would love playing for a quarterback like Mahomes, who has similar qualities as Stafford in the pocket with their creativity and field vision.

9

New England Patriots

No team has more cap space and a greater need for offensive playmakers than the Patriots. Drake Maye desperately needs pass catchers in New England and Kupp can be a quarterback’s best friend on third down and in the red zone.

He’d provide a ton of benefits for the young quarterback in the film room and on the field, given his rapport with Matthew Stafford for the last four years. The only problem with New England is the team isn’t exactly set up to win now, so Kupp will have to be patient if he wants to win championships.

10

San Francisco 49ers

Would they dare? It’s hard to imagine the Rams trading Kupp to a division rival but Niners Wire’s own Kyle Madson says the 49ers would be interested in bringing in the savvy wideout. The 49ers have a need at wide receiver with Deebo Samuel potentially done in San Francisco, and Kupp is the type of player who could greatly help Brock Purdy’s development.

Again, it’s difficult to see the Rams sending Kupp to their most hated rival, and Kupp may not even want to play for the burgundy and gold, but it’s at least a possibility if that’s something the receiver desires.