The Detroit Lions secured key players for their future when they traded Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. Now, the Rams are reportedly looking to move one of their top players.
Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp took to social media before the Super Bowl to announce the team’s intent to trade him immediately.
“I was told that the team will be seeking a trade right away and will work with me and my family to find the best place to keep competing for championships.
I don’t agree with the decision and thought it would start and end in LA,” Kupp stated. “Still, I’ve learned over the years that many things are beyond your control, but it’s how you respond that you’ll remember.”
Could the Lions be in position for another blockbuster move? Detroit has been listed by experts as a team likely to target the 31-year-old wideout.
“One league executive brought up Detroit due to the connection with Jared Goff. They both entered the league together and made Pro Bowls together,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on SportsCenter. “That type of instant connection could be a great fit.”
While Kupp revealed the Rams’ plans, there’s a chance Detroit could sign him without trading any draft picks.
If no team makes a deal, Kupp could become a salary cap casualty, allowing Holmes to sign him for a much lower price.
Kupp’s contract runs through 2026. He has a cap hit of $29.8 million in 2025 and $27.3 million in 2026. The Lions have over $46.5 million in cap space for next season and $22.2 million the following year, as previous contract extensions begin to take effect.
If the Rams release Kupp, they would save $15 million in cash and $7.5 million against the cap. He has only $5 million guaranteed in 2025 and no guaranteed money in the last year of his contract. However, a pre-June 1 release would force the Rams to absorb $22.2 million in dead money.
Detroit’s offense thrived in 2024, but adding a future Hall of Famer could benefit both sides. However, the Lions are well-stocked at wide receiver, especially if veteran Tim Patrick re-signs.
If Patrick leaves in free agency, Holmes might look to the draft for a No. 3 wide receiver.
