Rams have spoken to teams about Cooper Kupp trade and what it would take to facilitate him: sources

By Dianna Russini, Michael Silver and Jourdan Rodrigue

The Los Angeles Rams have spoken with teams about a possible trade for star wide receiver Cooper Kupp, league sources said.

Sources with knowledge of those discussions said the Rams told them they would be willing to take on a portion of Kupp's remaining salary in 2024. Kupp's base salary at the start of the season was $15 million and the cap hit was $29 million. According to Over the Cap, he is also due a roster bonus of $7.5 million in March, with $5 million guaranteed. Those sources added that the Rams told them they were pursuing a second-round pick.

Kupp, 31, is expected to return from an ankle injury this Thursday night when the Rams host the Minnesota Vikings. He has been out since his injury in Week 2. Before the injury, Kupp had 18 catches for 147 yards and a touchdown.

While Kupp has missed the last three seasons due to injury, he was a key part of the Super Bowl-winning team in the 2021 season and secured the NFL's triple crown. Much of head coach Sean McVay's offense typically ran through Kupp.

Kupp spoke to reporters about the trade talks on Tuesday evening.

Cooper Kupp on trade speculation, including multiple reports that teams have called Rams: “I'm aware of it, but at the end of the day I'll be where my feet are. That's all I know. I have a job to do here. I take a lot.” I'm proud to give everything I can for the boys here

– Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) October 23, 2024

According to league sources, trade talks between the Rams and other teams began in early fall.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Rams opened the 21-day practice window for second-year receiver Puka Nacua. He has been on injured reserve since Week 1 after aggravating a knee injury he suffered in training camp.

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(Photo: Nic Antaya/Getty Images)