LA has been at the center of the sports world as of late, and the LA Rams joined the conversation (as they usually do) when it broke that they would be trading away star receiver Cooper Kupp.
While this was a sad day for fans, as Kupp is not only a fan favorite but also one of the most storied receivers in franchise history, it did not come as a huge surprise as the team was close to moving him at this past season’s trade deadline.
Now the search begins for a proper suitor. Looking at the history of Rams’ trades, no one should expect much of a return, however, The Athletic released a list of nine potential trade partners and one would be very interesting.
In this scenario from The Athletic, the LA Rams trade Cooper Kupp and a 2025 4th-round pick to the New York Jets, in exchange for Davante Adams and a 2025 5th-round pick.
LA Rams Trade Cooper Kupp To New York Jets For Davante Adams
On the surface, this trade could actually make a lot of sense.
It has not been decided yet, but conventional wisdom tells us that Aaron Rodgers will not be back with the Jets. That would lead many to believe that Davante Adams would want out as well.
He is not the receiver he once was, but similar to Kupp, still has something left and can take over games in flashes. In the final six games of 2024, he had 41 receptions, 576 yards, and six touchdowns. Over that same stretch (not including the playoff games), Kupp garnered 20 catches, 222 yards, and two touchdowns.
Where this deal would benefit NY is Adams’ cap hit, which is $38.2 million, per Over The Cap. However, none of Adams’ remaining salary is guaranteed, so the Rams could easily rework his contract.
Also Read: LA Rams Mock Draft 2.0 – Post Senior Bowl
The big question here is, is this truly a big value upgrade that makes trading one of the pillars in your locker room away, worth it?
The only reason for trading Kupp is to free up Cap Space and get younger at the position moving forward. Trading an expensive aging receiver for one of the same ilk almost seems like a slap in the face to Kupp and his camp.
Also, you have to think about what Adams could bring to the offense that Kupp could not.
So while on paper this trade could make some sense, I would be surprised if the LA Rams pulled a move like this off.