It looks like, for all Los Angeles fans, this offseason just might get wild. The 2024 season just officially wrapped, and already there’s talk about some major shake-ups in L.A.This time, we’re not just talking about minor roster tweaks. We’re talking about the core guys, Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford. Yep, hard to believe, but the Rams are in a tricky spot. After a season that left fans feeling kind of meh, the team’s brass is now staring at a classic big-picture “rebuild or reload” dilemma for problems like an aging core, and salary cap headaches. Rams HC Sean McVay is still around, and you can expect risky trades as he’s not gonna sit back and play it safe.
Zooming in on the Cooper Kupp trade buzz. The guy has been the heartbeat of the Rams’ offense, with a small asterisk that reads: when healthy. But rumors are flying that he’ll likely be in different colors next season—something Kupp himself confirmed with a tweet. After all, a receiver like Kupp, who is smart, reliable, and super-friendly is desirable to all. With the latest turn of events, one team in particular has been stealing the spotlight. That is the $6.3 billion Washington Commanders.
NFL insider Dov Kleiman shared on X that Washington is eyeing Kupp as the perfect No. 2 option to bolster their offense. And honestly, we can’t blame them. A couple of seasons ago, he would have commanded an arm and a leg. Although injuries have slowed him down, it doesn’t go unnoticed how he runs precise routes. He can make life easier for QBs, especially one such as Jayden Daniels, whose tape will be under the microscope. Adding a veteran like Kupp could just be a game-changer for Commanders.
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But why would the Rams let Kupp go then? Here’s where it gets tricky. Kupp’s contract isn’t exactly light on the wallet, and with him hitting 31, some folks in the front office are wondering if it’s time to cash in while his value is still sky-high. With recent injuries slowing him down, he has now become an interesting trade option.
Don’t get it twisted, Kupp is still a beast. Any team that grabs him knows they’re getting one of the league’s sharpest route-runners and a guy who makes life way easier for his QB. If Washington actually lands Kupp? Oh man, that offense could get dangerous. Pairing him with a younger WR1 could give the Commanders’ QB the security blanket every passer dreams of. No doubt, Kupp’s veteran presence in the locker room will be priceless. But he may not be the only veteran heading out the Rams door this offseason.
Will Matthew Stafford stay or go?
Now, here’s the second part of the drama. Matthew Stafford‘s future is a real cliffhanger. His cap hit is hefty, but the Rams still see his value. He’s a Super Bowl champ, after all. But if Kupp’s gone (MVP in that Super Bowl game btw), does Stafford even want to stick around? Sources say McVay and the Rams want him to stay, considering that trading him would come with a brutal $45.3 million dead cap hit in 2025. But on the other side, Stafford’s also hunting for one final contract that puts him closer to top-tier QB money. They will reportedly hold talks soon, in Indianapolis.
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via Getty TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 24: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions looks on during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 24, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
It’s complicated. But let’s not forget the Stafford-Kupp connection. Since Stafford landed in L.A., these two have been magic together. Their families are close together too, with Stafford’s wife sharing her disappointment at the Rams’ decision to trade Kupp. Losing Kupp could totally shake up Stafford’s vibe. If Kupp leaves, Stafford might want out too. That’s a lot of uncertainty for a team that prides itself on stability.
If the Rams decide to part ways with either of these guys, it’s back to the draft board. Well, going by the rumor, if Stafford’s time is nearing its end, the Rams could pursue experienced quarterbacks through trades or free agency. Even a short-term solution like Aaron Rodgers, with reports linking him to the Rams if Stafford departs. Conversely, if Kupp goes, the team will need to bolster their receiving corps. Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State stands out as a dynamic playmaker, praised for his polished route-running and ability to create separation. Then there’s Xavier Restrepo from Miami, whose speed and knack for stretching the field make him a constant deep-threat option. Meanwhile, Jaylin Noel from Iowa State brings reliability to the table, with strong hands and sharp field awareness, making him a dependable target in crucial moments.
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At the moment, it is dicey to guess what can happen next since nothing’s set in stone. With the NFL combine around the corner and free agency heating up, the Rams are running out of time to make these big calls. Will they stick with their veteran stars and make one last Super Bowl push? Or hit the reset button and build for the future?