Latest wave of NFL rumors involving LA Rams are nobody's fault but the Rams

The LA Rams are certainly the talk of the NFL right now. And I would not expect that buzz to die down anytime soon.

The NFL offseason is only days away. After the excitement of Super Bowl LIX has died down, the best commercials from the Super Bowl broadcast have made their rounds, and the NFL officially pivots from present to future tense, NFL fans will only be left with speculation, innuendo, and rumors. Some fans relish the offseason, if for no other reason then the Baskin Robbins menu of variety of future outcomes. Other hate it, because some of the speculation, innuendo, and rumors take their team in the opposite direction than the direction they had hoped for the team.

In terms of NFL tremors, the Los Angeles Rams are the epicenter of earth-shaking storylines right now. The Rams exposed themselves to the full range of NFL rumors at the moment that veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp personally announced on social media that the team informed him that he would be traded 'immediately.'

That ignited a flood of speculation and Rams rumors that may have smoldered, but suddenly and swiftly ignited. But to be honest, the Rams created this firestorm of rumors. Here's how:

Cooper Kupp trade stunned everyone

I am the first person to admit that I was utterly blindsided by the Rams' report that they intend to trade Cooper Kupp immediately. I even argued the case that it simply wouldn't happen. By rights, it should not be happening. If money is the issue, then the team had the opportunity to enter into tough but necessary negotiations to rework Kupp's contract. If the money placed the team in a bad position, the front office is experienced at incentivizing clauses that ensure that Kupp could stay and earn sacks of cash.

But negotiations seemed to never take place. Now, that ship has sailed. The Rams have drawn the line in the sand. I don't think that even if the team regret the decision to part ways with Kupp that they can walk this back without damage to their relationship to Kupp and to other players on the team.

I think a viable argument can be made that Cooper Kupp has lost a step, and that he is injury prone. I don't think it's controversial to acknowledge that Kupp has underperformed his current contract with the Rams. But if he can suit up for 17 games, Kupp is still a 1000+ yards receiver in the NFL who can find the end zone.

Worst of all, the unthinkable trade scenario of Cooper Kupp is not reality. So that places other unthinkable trade scenarios into play, such as a trade scenario that involves his friend and teammate, QB Matthew Stafford.

Matthew Stafford is 37-years-old and insists on new contract terms

Some argue that Matthew Stafford is happy with his current contract. I don't see how anyone can reach that conclusion. Stafford was completely dissatisfied with the 2024 version of his contract before the Rams managed to accelerate his guaranteed compensation for 2024. Now, his guaranteed money is depleted. He is due to be paid $32 million in 2025, with only $4 million guaranteed as a roster bonus.

He won't be back under the current contract terms. But where is the cut off for a 37-year-old quarterback? Do the Rams simply accept that Stafford will maintain a Pro Bowl level of play for three years and pay him accordingly? Does the team stand firm on a severable contract? Or is there some middle ground of guaranteed monies plus performance clauses to incentivize his production? And with any option, does Stafford accept that version?

If the Rams view this moment in time as the right time to pivot to a new offensive chapter, then the NFL experts who suggest that Stafford could be traded may be right. Whose fault is that? Well, the team failed to install a more permanent solution to the Stafford contract conundrum last season, opting instead for a temporary fix. There is no easy way to renegotiate Stafford's contract in 2025. And after the Kupp news, all possible options have to be seen as on the table.

The Rams are victims of their recent draft success

At the end of the 2022 NFL season, the Rams roster shed All-Pros and key contributors such as:

• ILB Bobby Wagner
• DB Jalen Ramsey
• OLB Leonard Floyd
• NT Greg Gaines
• DB Nick Scott
• DN Taylor Rapp
• DB David Long
• DE A'Shawn Robinson

At the end of 2023, the LA Rams learned of All-Pro DT Aaron Donald's retirement. That prompted a majority of NFL analysts to show a thumbs down when projecting the potential success of the Rams roster in the next season's record and playoff potential. But the Rams front office, led by GM Les Snead, saw things in a different light.

Rather than curl up into a fetal position and lament over players lost to trades, releases, and expired contracts, the team managed to see events as opportunities to restock the roster. While the jury may be out for many, some brave NFL insiders and analysts are already to go on record and proclaim the defense as being in great hands for years to come:

If the Rams can address the loss of three All-Pros in just two NFL Drafts, why can't this team address present and future offensive needs over the next two NFL Drafts? Even if the team is unable to trade up to the first overall draft pick to claim the top rookie quarterback prospect, the team has proven that they can land tarnished NFL veteran quarterbacks and turn their careers around.

I expect that nobody is untouchable on the Rams roster right now. What does that mean for the 2025 NFL season? If anything, it means excitement, competitiveness, passionate play, and another entertaining season.

The fans may be disappointed and heartbroken over the early indications from the team. But reserve judgement until the team has reformed the 90-man roster for training camp. I am confident that the team has a master plan at work. Right now, all we can see is a glimpse through the keyhole.

As always, thanks for reading.

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