While most due attention is focused on the task at hand, beating the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, the Los Angeles Rams will face several tough decisions when the offseason inevitably comes.
Perhaps the biggest will be what to do with star wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Kupp has struggled to stay healthy since winning the Triple Crown in 2021, missing 16 games over the ensuing three seasons.
There has been a significant decline in Kupp’s production since making his return from an ankle injury, his fourth since 2022, in Week 8.
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Kupp has averaged almost 75 yards per game throughout his career. This season he is averaging less than 60 yards per game. Over his last three games, he has averaged just 20 yards per game.
And this isn’t just on Kupp directly. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has targeted him less than 7 times per game this season since returning from injury. Over the last four games, he has been targeted 10 times in total.
Many are pointing towards Kupp’s drop-off in his ability to gain separation as well as the lack of yards after the catch ability. Each of these has defined Kupp as a receiver.
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When discussing the upcoming Eagles game, NFL Daily host Greg Rosenthal predicted that Kupp’s time with the Los Angeles Rams was nearing its end.
“Cooper Kupp’s not really even a [#2 receiver] anymore. He’s just like a rotational kind of receiver. I’m not going to say he’s Jahan Dotson, but this is probably his last game in a Rams uniform if they don’t win.”
This isn’t a new idea and cutting ties with Kupp was very much on the table for Rams’ general manager Les Snead, who fielded calls from teams around the league looking to trade for Kupp.
“Sources with knowledge of those conversations said the Rams indicated to them that they would be open to taking on some of Kupp’s remaining salary in 2024. wrote The Athletic in late October of last year. ” Also, “Those sources added that the Rams indicated to them they were seeking a second-round pick.” Furthermore, “Trade conversations began between the Rams and other teams earlier this fall, league sources said.”
Perhaps the Rams should have taken a team up on an offer, as his trade value has likely plummeted to an all-time low after these recent performances.