Cooper Kupp caught 145 passes for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2021. For that illustrious performance, the WR achieved the Triple Crown as well as Offensive Player of the Year honors. But as it is said, “Life comes fast at you in the NFL.” Who will know this better than the Los Angeles Rams’s WR? On February 3, 2025, the world went upside down for the veteran player. He surprised the world by announcing that the franchise is “seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships.” Since then, this news has left many teams hoping to trade him. But the financial hit might cause a barrier. So, here’s the potential solution…..

In a new episode of the DraftKings, ex-NFL executive Mark Dominik joined the host Dave Ross to break down multiple free agent situations in the league. About Cooper Kupp, Dominik was pretty clear, as he advised the rest of the 31 teams to follow a path that he would have chosen if he were a GM. So, what is it?

Well, in clear words, Mark Dominik expressed, “The Rams have probably given clubs permission to talk about a trade and so what I would have done if I was a GM and I had interest in Cooper Kupp is—I would be pretending I’d be wanting to trade so I could tell the league office and tell the Rams, can I talk to Cooper Kupp? All the while, I’m trying to set up what the deal could look like and move on with him once they cut him.”

This piece of advice came from the former GM when he highlighted that the teams are playing the waiting game. The Rams are open to eating a big chunk of his salary just to get something in return. But no one is willing to take a financial hit. It’s because, as per NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo, Cooper Kupp is due $20 million in 2025 and $19.85 million in 2026. If they cut him, the Rams absorb all the salary. That’s why teams might just wait until he hits free agency, which could happen in early March.

So, as per Dominik’s suggestion, this is an opportunity to negotiate. Since this is a “chance to be recruiting him legally right now instead of the you know the behind the scenes tampering situation that other players might deal with.” Now, on one side, Cooper Kupp’s “immediate” trade is expediting its process. On the other, the Rams might also be walking away from a renowned name.

After Cooper Kupp, QB Matthew Stafford is in the line?

Cooper Kupp’s future is at least clear: He won’t be staying with the Rams. But what about the captain, Matthew Stafford? The 37-year-old is aging; however, when it comes to gridiron, the quarterback is pushing in every way possible to lead the team into the playoffs. This season too, after clinching the NFC West title with 10 wins and 7 losses, he led the team to the divisional round.

After friend Cooper Kupp’s exit, it’s likely that Matthew Stafford will be given one more year to play with the team. It’s because the reports suggest that the Rams want to keep him on a new salary amount. But will both agree to this? It’s a matter of debate. However, other rumors have surely hinted that coach Sean McVay and GM Les Snead are done with the quarterback. Why?

The Rams have a young core and might not want to tie up big money in a 37-year-old quarterback. Sure, Stafford played well in 2024, missing just one game and stepping up in the playoffs. Many even believe he’s got another solid year left. But keeping him means delaying the team’s long-term plans. And then there’s the backup situation as well. Jimmy Garoppolo is hitting free agency.

So, what now? The Rams have a tough choice ahead!