Will the Rams Regret Letting Kupp Sign with Division Rival?
Cooper Kupp became one of the NFL's top wide receivers with the Los Angeles Rams, culminating in a historic 2021 season where he won the receiving triple crown, earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and was named Super Bowl LVI MVP. However, after eight years with the team, the Rams decided to move on, leading Kupp to sign a three-year, $45 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, a direct division rival. Despite parting ways with the Rams, Kupp insists that signing with Seattle was not a calculated move to get revenge. However, he admits that facing his former team twice a year will add some extra motivation.
"Yeah, I am looking forward to it," Kupp said via the Seahawks' website. "That didn't play into the decision to come here, but it's a nice little thing on the side to be able to go against those guys and know a lot of those guys. So much respect for the coaching staff, the way they handle things down there, [and] the players down there. I am excited about it, though." Kupp also revealed that he was never given clarity on why exactly the Rams moved on from him, adding another layer of frustration to the situation. "I'm sure they have their reasons for why they want to do things. Whatever it is," Kupp said. "Not a ton of clarity in that regard, but at the end of the day, I'm thankful to be able to walk away from that organization and be able to look back at all those memories, all those experiences."
The decision to part ways with Kupp likely stemmed from multiple factors. Since his career-best 2021 season, Kupp has struggled with injuries, playing in just 33 of a possible 51 games over the past three years. While still a productive receiver when healthy, his durability concerns made him a risk for a team looking to restructure its roster. Additionally, the emergence of Puka Nacua as a dominant receiving threat made it easier for the Rams to justify moving on from Kupp. Nacua had a breakout season in 2024, and the team decided to bring in Davante Adams as their new veteran presence. Interestingly, the Rams replaced Kupp with an older and more expensive receiver in Adams, raising questions about whether Kupp could have remained in a reduced role.
While Kupp may not be at the elite level he once was, he remains a reliable and skilled receiver. In 2024, he caught 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. If he can stay healthy, he could become a major asset for the Seahawks, especially with their new-look offense featuring quarterback Sam Darnold. Kupp's resume speaks for itself. In 2021, he led the NFL in receptions, with 145, receiving yards, at 1,947, and with 16 touchdowns, earning him a First-Team All-Pro nod and Offensive Player of the Year honors. More importantly, he played a crucial role in the Rams’ Super Bowl run, securing MVP honors after an eight-catch, 92-yard, two-touchdown performance in the big game.
With Kupp now in Seattle, the dynamic in the NFC West could shift. The Rams won the division in 2024, while the Seahawks narrowly missed out on the playoffs. Kupp's addition could help Seattle close that gap in 2025. The Rams are betting that Kupp’s best years are behind him. However, if he stays healthy and produces for the Seahawks, Los Angeles may regret letting him go, especially if he helps their division rival knock them out of playoff contention. Only time will tell if the Rams made the right decision, but one thing is certain: Cooper Kupp is motivated to prove he still has plenty left in the tank.
