NFL insider estimates that Rams Cooper Kupp could net a Day 2 draft pick

If you are even a casual NFL fan who follows the LA Rams, then you already know the whirlwind of NFL rumors that surround veteran WR Cooper Kupp. Since the report of Kupp's imminent trade was shared by Cooper Kupp himself on social media, the veracity of the reports is not in question. But there are quite a few important details that come with any player trade.

The first question is: When? Of course, that is up in the air, as the team must find other interested teams, negotiate trade compensation, and then work with Cooper Kupp to determine the best landing spot for the veteran wide receiver.

The second question is: Where? That is also rather speculative. Realistically, there is still gas in the tank of Cooper Kupp, and that means that almost every team would benefit from a player who is 50 percent wide receiver, 50 percent tight end, and 50 percent coach (Yes, the math is deliberate). Bleacher Report's James Palmer rattled off a list of four NFL teams that are painfully obvious landing spots for Kupp.

As soon as the Kupp trade rumors surfaced, we applied the criteria of a team that Kupp would likely approve that is a current NFL contender, and came up with our own set of five NFL teams that are front-runners for Kupp. It just so happens that Kupp is still versatile and effective, making him a solid addition to any NFL team roster.

The third question is: For how much? That is another question that is unlikely to result in a uniform consensus. Some skeptical fans will point to Kupp's $20 million price tag as a detriment for any serious offers. Other skeptical fans will point to the fact that the Rams, in an attempt to do right by the player, have a pattern of settling for a pittance.

But Kupp could attract some interest. The 2025 NFL Draft is not touted with sensational top-tier talent nor with an abundance of wide receiver prospects. And Kupp is so much more than just a pass-catching receiver. He is a hybrid of tight end/wide receiver/running back with a solid blend of coaching characteristics folded in for good measure

So what is that worth in today's NFL market?

Can Kupp command a Day 2 pick as trade compensation?

Per Bleacher Report's James Palmer, he estimates that Cooper Kuppo could net a return as high as a Round 3 pick. I agree, but want to point out that the Rams will only get that level of pick if their trade partner insists that the team forks out for Kupp's $7.5 million roster bonus due in mid-March.

NFL Insider Adam Schefter has weighed in on the matter as well. He shares that the Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen netted a Round 4 pick, and that the Los Angeles Rams anticipate a similar level of compensation for Kupp.

The Rams are willing to extend a bit of financial relief to any team willing to take on Cooper Kupp in 2025. And Kupp's contract is severable, meaning that if he does not perform to expectations, the new team has significant leverage to either rework his contract, release Kupp, or as the case of the Tennessee Titans after trading for ILB Ernest Jones, flip Kupp to a new team for a significant profit.

The writing is on the wall for Cooper Kupp playing for a new team. Ironically, the NFL offseason has only just begun. I expect a lot of shocking NFL headlines before the opening kickoff of the 2025 NFL season. How many stories will involve the Los Angeles Rams? Stay tuned. And as always, thanks for reading.

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