Detroit Lions Consider Trade for Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp from Rams
The Detroit Lions famously traded Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, and they might be preparing for another significant trade.
The memorable trade that occurred in 2021 involved the Lions sending quarterback Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles while receiving quarterback Jared Goff along with multiple draft picks: a third-round pick in 2021, a first-round pick in 2022, and another first-round pick in 2023.
Now, the Lions are predicted to consider a trade that would bring Rams' favorite, Cooper Kupp, to Detroit.
On February 3, Kupp announced on social media that the Rams are looking to trade him. He expressed his disagreement with the decision, stating, "I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships. I don't agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA."
Despite this, Kupp expressed enthusiasm about his future prospects, declaring himself "highly motivated, as healthy as ever, and looking forward to playing elite football for years to come."
The Lions emerged as a potential destination for Kupp, as he has a history with Goff, having played alongside him for four seasons with the Rams. Furthermore, Lions general manager Brad Holmes was the Director of College Scouting with the Rams when Kupp was drafted in 2017.
On February 4, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that league executives identified four teams likely interested in acquiring Kupp: the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, and the Lions.
Fowler noted, "One league executive brought up Detroit to me because of the connection with Jared Goff. They came into the league together and made Pro Bowls together. That's the type of instant connection that could be fun."
However, acquiring Kupp would not come cheap; he is due $20 million this year, which includes a $12.5 million base salary and a $7.5 million roster bonus. Part of this is guaranteed, and Kupp has contractual obligations extending into 2026.
NFL analyst Brad Berreman mentioned that it appears the Rams may need to absorb a significant portion of Kupp's contract to facilitate a trade. Berreman stated, "Let's call it a coin-flip if it happens right now, with many teams lined up to be in the mix for him."
