Rams sign Cooper Kupp at trade price higher than Davante Adams

A report indicates the Rams are calling teams Cooper Kupp He may have overstated how interested the NFC West franchise is in moving its top wide receiver from the Los Angeles 2.0 era. Kupp's name remains in trade rumors, but the Rams could have a price floor.

Tuesday's report indicated that the Rams were pursuing a second-round pick, so they would be willing to pay a portion of Kupp's salary to secure such a return. On Thursday, SI.com's Albert Breer said (during a… Rich Eisen Show Appearance) Teams call the Rams on Kupp. As for moving the former All-Pro and Super Bowl MVP, Breer adds that the Rams want a return that exceeds what the Raiders received for Davante Adams.

Teams still looking for WR help have undoubtedly noticed the Rams' struggles early in the season, which has led to inquiries about Kupp. We heard before the Rams' win over the Raiders that Kupp had drawn interest from a trader, but the receiver is preparing to return with him tonight Puka Nacuahis current team probably hasn't decided to sell yet. The Rams travel to Seattle after their game against the Vikings; Their next two results could determine how ready they are to sell.

It cost the Jets a conditional third-round pick to acquire Adams from the Raiders. Las Vegas likely could have increased that amount had there not been a mandate for an acquiring team to cover all of Adams' prorated base salary for 2024. The Jets did so, agreeing to terms that would send a second-rounder to the Raiders under certain conditions. Adams is unlikely to qualify, as he would have to earn first- or second-team All-Pro honors (in a season that has already seen three missed games) or qualify for an AFC Championship Game.

If the Rams begin serious Kupp trade discussions, they would likely have to pay a significant portion of his base salary to sign a second-rounder. Just under $9 million remains of Kupp's base salary for 2024. However, he is due $5 million in guarantees in 2025, which adds another complication here. The Rams signed Kupp through 2026 as part of a three-year, $80.1 million extension agreed to months after his Triple Crown season ended. They could regroup and hope the 31-year-old can stay healthy. If they want to move on now, Breer says teams must have been informed that the price must be higher than Adams.

While Adams was never able to match Kupp's 2021 dominance, the former Packers and Raiders standout was far more consistent. Kupp has had just two 1,000-yard seasons, with injuries playing a role. Kupp has a torn ACL (2018) on his medical record and he underwent rope surgery in 2022 to repair an ankle injury. Kupp consulted a hamstring specialist due to a nagging issue that delayed his debut in 2023 and has played just two games this season due to an ankle ailment. This health history, even if the Rams receive a high base salary, will give teams reason to consider Kupp as a hitman.

Kupp was responsible for the second-best receiving yardage season in NFL history, adding 478 yards and six touchdowns in the 2021 playoffs. Only Larry Fitzgerald (2008) surpassed that yardage total in a single postseason when Kupp came around Hakeem Nicks' strong work in 2011. Kupp's dominance this year has boosted his standing in LA, with Breer believing the prospect of giving up Kupp for a return in the third or fourth round could play a role in that Rams equation.

It will be interesting to see if the Rams lower their price or if this is truly a take-it-or-leave-it situation for a player who was there Sean McVayis the first draft class. The Chiefs discussed Kupp with the Rams before adding him DeAndre Hopkins for a conditional fifth. The Rams have an extra week to determine their path to trade, with this year's deadline pushed back to Nov. 5.