Rams Prepare for a Major Overhaul as Kupp Trade Looms

As the Los Angeles Rams reflect on their 2024 season, head coach Sean McVay has emphasized the need to assess the team's structure and future direction. This examination took a pivotal turn when star wide receiver Cooper Kupp announced he has been informed of trade discussions involving him. While no trade can be made official until the new league year begins on March 12, Kupp's announcement is the first major move in what could be a series of changes for the Rams this offseason.

Current Receiver Landscape

Looking ahead to 2025, the Rams currently have four wide receivers under contract:

• Cooper Kupp (31)
• Puka Nacua (2023 fifth-round pick)
• Jordan Whittington (2024 sixth-round pick)
• Xavier Smith (2023 undrafted free agent)

Should Kupp be traded, it will necessitate a comprehensive retooling of the Rams' receiver room. Last season, their offense predominantly operated in 11 personnel, accounting for 81.3% of their play calls, trailing only the Atlanta Falcons.

The Impacts of Kupp's Departure

Kupp's presence has been instrumental in Rams' success since he was drafted in the third round in 2017. McVay has openly praised Kupp, acknowledging that he still has considerable talent to contribute: "[Kupp] has good football left. He wants to play for a handful more years." As it stands, if Kupp is to depart, his absence will leave a substantial void in both leadership and performance levels.

The Rams could look to retain Demarcus Robinson, a reliable starter who recorded 31 catches for a career-high 505 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last season. However, the future of Tutu Atwell, who has also contributed over four seasons, seems clouded as he is likely to explore free agency.

Future of the Rams' Offense

The Rams' offense faces significant shifts not only due to Kupp's potential exit but also with quarterback Matthew Stafford contemplating his future. Though Stafford is under contract through 2026, his return may require renegotiation of terms to fit the evolving roster around him. Additionally, key offensive lineman Rob Havenstein and tight end Tyler Higbee possess contracts with minimal guarantees that could alter the team's financing and depth.

McVay stressed the importance of versatility in the next season, acknowledging the team's struggles for consistency in 2024. He stated, "More fully functional... the easy answer is to complain about the injuries we had... But those are the things I’m excited to be able to dive into.” With over $38 million in cap space available for 2025, the Rams have the financial flexibility required to seek new talents, although high-profile free agents like Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin may be coveted but out of reach financially.

Moving Forward

As the Rams gear up for a critical offseason, it’s clear that Kupp's potential trade could signal the beginning of a renewed mindset for the franchise. While Kupp’s contributions have left an indelible mark, McVay is focused on what lies ahead to build a cohesive and dynamic offense in 2025. As McVay poignantly reflected, "Cooper has changed my life for the better... He has been so important in terms of a lot of the things that we've been able to build." The coming weeks will be pivotal as the Rams strive to create a new identity in the wake of substantial changes.