“The game is not over until it’s over,” a mantra often echoed in sports. But it rings particularly true for Cooper Kupp, the Los Angeles Rams’ star wide receiver. The trade bells around Kupp have been ringing since last year, but negotiations remained cluttered. As the Rams now tightened their financial belts during the offseason, it became increasingly clear that Kupp no longer had a place in Los Angeles. 

What exactly are the Rams planning? ESPN reported that head coach Sean McVay is considering releasing him if a trade doesn’t materialize by March 12. You heard it right! The dynamic wideout, who has spent eight memorable seasons with LA, is now on a deadline. While Kupp’s discontent is known to everyone, his head coach mirrored similar sentiments about how things unfolded. However, when standing before the media, he chose to take the high road, admitting, “It was really hard.” He went on to explain, “It doesn’t mean that you don’t still see a lot of amazing things that he can contribute,” emphasizing that the franchise is focusing on the bigger picture–one in which, unfortunately, Kupp no longer fits.

If that wasn’t enough to make a grown man cry, the Rams already found his replacement. In a lucrative two-year deal worth $46 million ($26 million guaranteed), they signed veteran Davante Adams. McVay may not be saying much outright, but it’s rather evident that the team believes they don’t necessarily need him to win another Super Bowl. Yet, the former Super Bowl MVP finds himself in high demand. Rumors have it, not one or two, but FOUR franchises across the league are vying for him.

Let’s begin with the Dallas Cowboys. Under the new regime of Brian Schottenheimer, the franchise is making a right decision. Reports claim they are making a serious push to acquire Kupp. With CeeDee Lamb as their top receiver, they need a strong No. 2 to complement him. Kupp’s experience and success definitely make him an attractive option, but their financial constraints may complement any potential deal. But that won’t be the only problem. 

Given his aura, the Cowboys are competing against the New England Patriots. Things are more in the latter’s favor, as Kupp himself has expressed curiosity about joining them. Why? Not many know this, but he has both “personal and professional connections to Patriots.” Thanks to his college teammate Kendrick Bourne. He has been persuading Kupp to join the Patriots for some time now. As the team looks to support quarterback Drake Maye in his second season, Kupp’s veteran presence could be invaluable. 

The next name on the list of suitors is the Seattle Seahawks–a divisional rival of the Rams. They have been rebuilding and could use a proven receiver to bolster their offense. With five top 100 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, they seem to have the resources to make big moves, including signing Kupp. 

And then, there are the Detroit Lions. Often overlooked in high-profile free agent battles, they have emerged as a surprise suitor for Kupp. After losing the brilliant offensive mind of Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears, the Lions have been quietly building their roster. And in this journey, they could view Kupp as a key addition to their receiving corps. But! BUT!! It seems Sean McVay’s portrayal of Kupp’s departure is not as rosy as he made it out to be.

Cooper Kupp’s blunt goodbye 

Things aren’t as smooth as McVay pictured before the media. Kupp confirmed the trade rumors in the early days of February, revealing he has been informed, “the team will be seeking a trade immediately.” But what he didn’t reveal until now is that he had a blunt conversation with McVay about the decision. 

The first thought that came to Kupp’s mind after the news was “if there were any other thoughts on ways to move forward, were there any other options to figure things out?” But in response, he received a blunt “NO,” as he told the Los Angeles Times. “In that moment, I made the decision that I didn’t want this to be a bitter thing in terms of our ending there… Having to say goodbye to people and know that, that door is closed. That’s been tough to walk through as the weeks have gone by,” he managed to add. 

As hard as it must be for him, that’s how the league goes. But the silver lining is his high demand. In the high-stakes game of the NFL musical chairs, he seems to be the prized seat everyone wants. But the question on everyone’s mind: Which team will be the one to claim Kupp?