Cooper Kupp, the wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, has encountered numerous injuries during his eight-year tenure in the NFL. The third-round selection from Eastern Washington in 2017 faced his initial injury setback in 2018, when he suffered a knee sprain in Week 6, forcing him to miss two subsequent games.
Kupp made his return in Week 9 but unfortunately was sidelined once again by a more significant issue—a torn ACL in his left knee—in Week 10, which cut his season short.
From 2019 through 2021, Kupp was remarkably durable, missing just one game (Week 17 of 2020 due to the Covid-19 list). During this productive period, he amassed 331 receptions, 4,082 receiving yards, and 29 touchdowns.
Kupp’s performance in the 2021 season stands out as one of the most exceptional in NFL history. He topped the league in all major receiving categories, amassing 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns, securing the Triple Crown for wide receivers, a feat last achieved by Steve Smith Sr. in 2005. He fell just 44 yards short of Calvin Johnson’s record for single-season receiving yards, set at 1,981.
While his outstanding regular-season numbers earned him the Offensive Player of the Year distinction, Kupp shone even brighter in the playoffs. Across four postseason games, he recorded 33 catches, 478 yards, and six touchdowns, including the decisive touchdown in Super Bowl LVI, which earned him the title of Super Bowl MVP.
However, in the three years since, Kupp has once again been plagued by injuries. He has participated in only 23 out of a possible 40 games, suffering three ankle sprains and a hamstring strain. The latest ankle injury has sidelined him since Week 2 of this season.
The Rams (2-5) have faced their own set of challenges in the league during the 2024 season. With aspirations of making it to Super Bowl 59 now out of reach, they are exploring the option of trading Kupp to a playoff-contending team.
Potential Trade Destinations for Cooper Kupp
A recent wave of significant injuries to wide receivers around the NFL has opened up vacancies in several prominent offenses.
One potential landing spot for Kupp is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost their slot receiver Chris Godwin for the season during a Monday night game against the Baltimore Ravens and will be without Mike Evans until after their Week 11 bye.
Kupp’s familiarity with Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who comes from the Sean McVay coaching lineage, could be beneficial. His presence would give quarterback Baker Mayfield a dependable option and could also serve as a mentor for younger receivers Trey Palmer and Jalen McMillan.
Another franchise that has a pressing need for a wide receiver is the Kansas City Chiefs. In the absence of Rashee Rice, they’ve elevated Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman to larger roles, but their receiving corps lacks true star power. If healthy, Kupp would provide Patrick Mahomes with a legitimate weapon, alleviating some pressure from Travis Kelce.
While the Buccaneers may have doubts about their Super Bowl prospects with two key players out, the Chiefs are in pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Lombardi Trophy. Currently, their passing offense struggles to gain momentum, as Mahomes has thrown more interceptions (8) than touchdowns (6), and Kelce has yet to score a touchdown this season.
To secure a victory in Super Bowl 59, Kansas City must enhance its passing attack. Although Kupp’s injury history presents some level of risk, especially given the reported asking price of a second-round draft pick, the potential for back-to-back-to-back Super Bowl victories is priceless. For the Chiefs, the rewards that Kupp could deliver might warrant a significant draft investment.
Image Source: Cooper Kupp @ Instagram
