Rams cut ties with Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp after unsuccessful trade attempts

In a significant move affecting their roster, the Los Angeles Rams have released Cooper Kupp, the former Super Bowl MVP, after failing to find a suitable trade partner. This decision marks the end of Kupp's eight-year tenure with the team, during which he became one of the league's most celebrated wide receivers. The Rams officially announced Kupp's release at the beginning of the new league year. The decision comes on the heels of Kupp's strong desire to remain with the Rams, following the team's attempts to trade him due to his substantial salary cap hit of $20 million this season. Cooper Kupp emerged as a key player for the Rams after being drafted in the third round in 2017 from Eastern Washington. His breakout year came in 2021 when he won the receiving triple crown, leading the NFL with 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns, in addition to being named Super Bowl MVP. However, injuries have severely impacted Kupp's performance in recent years, limiting him to no more than 12 games per season and causing a decline in his overall yardage. As Kupp faced persistent injuries, his role on the team diminished, particularly with the emergence of Puka Nacua as a notable receiver. Despite his on-field successes, Kupp's last season was challenging as he struggled to perform after missing early games due to an ankle injury. He finished the season with only 12 catches for 162 yards in the final five games, marking one of the least productive stretches of his career. Given Kupp's history of injuries and the Rams' ongoing efforts to reshape their team, management decided to part ways with him, taking on a dead cap hit of $22.3 million. The Rams have historically shown readiness to move on from star players, as demonstrated by the previous trades or releases of players like Jared Goff and Todd Gurley before their contract extensions took effect. As Kupp transitions away from the team that significantly shaped his career, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rams fans on social media, emphasizing the special bond created over the years. Kupp indicated that the journey that began with the Rams is coming to a close but reassured fans that "the best is yet to come" as he embarks on a new chapter in his career.