Tory Holt believes the LA Rams made a huge mistake, and he may be correct

The path to a Super Bowl is perilous and steep. The Los Angeles Rams know this because the team went all in to accomplish the feat in 2021. The following season, everything fell apart. While neither fans nor team personnel would have opted for another approach. But along the way, players and coaches seemed to give their all.

One such Herculean effort came from Super Bowl LVI MVP, wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

Kupp has been a consistent threat in the passing game. But he formed an instant connection to quarterback Matthew Stafford, and the duo would decimate opposing secondaries.

The pair became so unstoppable that even without any other experienced receivers in Super Bowl LVI, the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive back could not stop the two from gaining yards.

And yet, Kupp was never the same since, prompting the team to release him in 2025. That was a mistake, claims legendary Rams wide receiver Tory Holt:

Holt may be correct. He pointed out that Kupp has a quarterback's understanding of coverages, allowing him to be the go-to guy capable of frustrating even the most smothering secondaries. And after Kupp's performance in Super Bowl LX, he could be right.

Was there no role for Cooper Kupp on Rams roster in 2025?

It was clear that the rapid ascension of wide receiver Puka Nacua allowed the team to explore other options for the passing game. And it's unlikely that Kupp would have gratefully accepted a smaller paycheck as well as a smaller role on the offense to remain with the LA Rams

But this was the sme team that cut a $10 million check to sit wide receiver Tutu Atwell on the bench. So there was salary cap space for Kupp. The combination of Nacua and wide receiver Davante Adams missed four-plus games in 2025. Wouldn't it have been great to have a veteran wide receiver who could step up in their absence?

No, Kupp's presence would not have fixed the special teams miscues that led to multiple losses. And his presence may have diverted some of the touchdowns from completions to failed attempts to get the football to Kupp. This is not about playing the what-if game.

It's just that Cooper Kupp did for the Seahawks what he did for the Horns. He was incredibly adept at getting open, catching passes, and moving the chains. He was the guy who proved to come through in the clutch.

In the end, he was healthier than Davante Adams or Puka Nacua. Of all ironies, that may be the grandest irony of all.

As always, thanks for reading.