Because the outdated saying goes, nothing lasts without end. And that saying is most becoming proper now for the Los Angeles Rams and wideout Cooper Kupp. The star receiver released a statement on Monday saying, “I used to be knowledgeable that the workforce shall be in search of a commerce instantly.” He added, “I do not agree with the choice and at all times believed it was going to start and finish in LA,” an indication that this information might have come all of a sudden for him.
Kupp has two seasons remaining on the three-year, $80 million contract that he signed with the Rams, however, in keeping with ESPN, there’s little or no assured cash left on the deal. Kupp helped ship a title to Los Angeles, profitable Tremendous Bowl LVI MVP after claiming AP Offensive Participant of the 12 months in the course of the common season. He ranks third in Rams historical past with 634 profession receptions and 57 receiving touchdowns.
So, naturally, after the information comes out and the shock wears off, the dialog shifts. The place will Kupp play subsequent season? Which groups are the most effective match for him? Though he has a prolonged historical past of manufacturing, he’s 32 years outdated and has a troubling harm historical past. Up to now three years, he has averaged simply 11 video games per season.
That being stated, Kupp nonetheless has numerous worth and groups at all times want dynamic receivers. Listed here are the highest three suits:
The Cardinals drafted Marvin Harrison Jr. final season, and he has the promise of a real No. 1 wideout, however they will want some receivers to enrich him. They have already got a extremely good tight finish in Trey McBride, however they want another pass-catcher who generally is a security valve for QB Kyler Murray. Kupp would carry that “open” issue — he can nonetheless discover the creases and cracks in a zone and convert third downs with the most effective of them.
Final season, Arizona received simply 48.2% of its receiving yardage from receivers. That’s partly as a result of emergence of McBride, however nonetheless, that quantity ought to be a lot increased, and with Kupp that might be completed.
Two questions concerning the match would inevitably come up although. Would Los Angeles commerce Kupp throughout the division? And likewise, does he make sense for a workforce in mid-rebuild?
Take into consideration Lamar Jackson with one other weapon. Scary, proper? Now think about it is a man who’s at all times open, could make it unimaginable to double Zay Flowers and will push Rashod Bateman down the depth chart one notch. Immediately you could have an unbelievable deep core for Lamar to throw to, and that does not even embody breakout tight finish Isaiah Likely.
If the Ravens can swing the capital and cap house to make it occur, including Kupp would immediately improve their offense. Interested by the spacing that Jackson may must both discover the open man or use his legs is downright tantalizing.
The timeline additionally suits right here as nicely. Kupp’s harm historical past is regarding, however he has that profitable expertise, and the Ravens are attempting to win proper now. Not in three years.
Is there a workforce that would use an elite receiver greater than Buffalo? The Payments have an elite QB, they usually completely can not waste any extra years of Josh Allen‘s profession at this level. Kupp could be a welcome addition to the perennial AFC contender. He additionally is aware of what it takes to get to the mountaintop, one thing that has eluded the Payments for a very long time, nicely earlier than the Josh Allen period.
This commerce on paper makes virtually an excessive amount of sense. Final season, the Payments traded Stefon Diggs and misplaced Gabe Davis in free company. That left a gaping gap of their passing assault, with out a true game-breaker or constant risk. Think about on these third-and-medium performs if that they had a man like Kupp to enrich Allen’s dual-threat capacity.
In 2024, the Payments received 60.9% of their receiving yards from receivers. With Kupp, that quantity would enhance, and it will take the stress off their tight ends, Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid.
If Buffalo may swing the deal, it may threaten the Chiefs‘ standing because the favorites for AFC home-field benefit.
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