The excitement about Cooper Kupp’s likely return to the field this Thursday has been interrupted by reports that the Los Angeles Rams could trade their star receiver. Kupp, 31, has been an integral part of Sean McVay’s offense for the last seven-plus years but it was reported Tuesday that the Rams are calling teams and seeking a second-round pick in exchange for the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year.
After the Rams’ walkthrough, Kupp spoke to reporters and addressed the rumors that he could be dealt before the Nov. 5 deadline. Being the ultimate team player that he is, Kupp is taking it all in stride and remaining focused on helping the Rams win.
“I’m aware of it, but at the end of the day I’m going to be where my feet are,” Kupp said, via Adam Grosbard of the OC Register. “That’s all I know. I have a job to do here, and I take a lot of pride in doing everything I can for the guys in this building and being able to step on the field knowing that I prepared the best that I can. For seven-and-a-half years, I’ve been an L.A. Ram and I’ve taken that approach every single day. And whatever happens outside of that, I gotta control what I can control and right now that means being the best L.A. Ram that I can be.”
All of this speculation has escalated fairly quickly, going from the Rams receiving calls to now making calls to teams themselves. It’s not certain that Kupp will be traded, but given the circumstances with the Rams being 2-4, there’s no question the team is considering a blockbuster deal involving their top receiver.
Kupp was asked if there have been conversations with the Rams about the trade rumors, but it doesn’t sound like there’s been much communication on that front.
The trade deadline is three weeks away, so the Rams have just two games left before they have to make a decision about Kupp’s future. If they lose their next two games to the Vikings and Seahawks, they’ll be 2-6 and selling at the deadline might be more enticing.
If they win their next two, however, they’ll be squarely in the mix in the NFC West, potentially even leading the division if everything falls their way.