Why Cooper Kupp on the trading block is a game changer for Rams offense

If the LA Rams were operating for the upcoming 2025 NFL season as they typically do, then the matter of WR Cooper Kupp would likely have resulted in reworking his contract to reflect his current level of production with the team. While that may have netted him much less compensation than his $20 million due to be paid out in 2025, a new contract could have added incentive clauses to ensure that if prime-time Kupp showed up next season, so would top-tier compensation.

I don't know first-hand whether or not the Rams tried to rework Kupp's contract. I simply know that they didn't. Much like the team's almost instant decision to part ways with former QB Jared Goff after the Divisional Round loss to the Green Bay Packers, Kupp's trade seems to spring from the team loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The scenarios are similar in several ways.

Trading Goff signified a complete change in the Rams approach to roster construction. Goff was out, Matthew Stafford was in, and the front office built a team to reflect Stafford seasoned experience. The team traded for All-Pro OLB Von Miller and signed seasoned WR Odell Beckham Jr.

Did the Rams front office just change the formula for success once more?

I think that bears out some discussion. After all, the Rams rookie class in 2024 resulted in the Defensive Rookie of the Year and the 3rd place finisher in DROY voting. Keep in mind that Jared Verse was sensational value with the 19th overall pick, but very few NFL Draft analysts agreed with the team's decision to trade up for DT Braden Fiske.

Is the team stepping back, and realizing that the offense can follow the same track to renewed life? While the Rams overall offensive production has waned, the team continues to find diamonds in the rough to fuel future optimism. The team drafted RB Kyren Williams on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft, WR Puka Nacua on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft, and C Beaux Limmer and WR Jordan Whittington on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Imagine how quickly this offense turns things around if the Rams front office focuses on the offense in the 2025 NFL Draft.

While the Rams may re-sign a player or two, I struggle to envision the team extending any offensive veterans while viewing Kupp as expendable This is not a team that wants to run-it-back any longer. Changes are coming. Kupp is simply the first casualty.

I also do not think that the team will play hard in the 2025 NFL Free Agency market either. At least, not to the extent of their 2024 participation. I can see good cause to extend veteran left tackle Alaric Jackson on a multi-year deal. But hopes of bringing back WRs Tutu Atwell or Demarcus Robinson are diminished in my mind now. If Kupp isn't returning, why should they?

I'm not even sure that the team is interested in recognizable free agent wide receivers.

I don't have quotes from Rams GM Les Snead to back me up on this right now. But with the team unable to get rookie WR Jordan Whittington onto the football field for many snaps in 2024, I suspect that the team will act to open more offensive snaps up to him in 2025. And that could be furthered by a team focusing on wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft as well.

Winds of change are blowing through SoFi Stadium right now. What will that mean for the Rams offense in 2025? I suspect young passionate players. Let's see how this all turns out.

As always, thanks for reading.

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