The Los Angeles Rams might mitigate the imminent loss of Cooper Kupp this summer by trading for New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams.
He is entering his second year with the Jets, but the fourth year of a five-year, $140 million contract. The Jets may save more than $36 million by cutting Adams with a post-June 1 designation this summer.
Adams would be willing to join the Rams if he becomes a free agent.
“The Jets must address the future of receiver Davante Adams, whose $38.3 million cap hit is untenable,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote on February 8. “A source told me Adams is intrigued by a return to the West Coast and would be open to potentially joining teams such as the Rams or Chargers — if he gets released. I would put the 49ers in the conversation, too. Adams grew up in Northern California.”
The Jets may save money by dealing Adams, but it is questionable whether the Rams would.
Adams, 32, has six Pro Bowl appearances and three All-Pro selections. He caught 85 catches for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024.
The former Green Bay Packers player missed three games due to a hamstring ailment and played in 14 overall. However, he had just completed two 17-game seasons before to the season. His reunion with Aaron Rodgers did not go as planned, and with the quarterback’s future unknown, Adams is in limbo.
Adams’ interest in the Rams comes at an ideal time for the team.
They appear to have Matthew Stafford returning for the 2025 season. However, Stafford may lose his long-time #1 target.
Cooper Kupp Gets Good News After Rams Trade Announcement
According to Kupp, the Rams informed him that they aim to trade him, and the wideout plans to play in 2025.
Kupp, 32, caught 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 2024.
“I was informed that the team will be looking for a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the best place to continue competing for championships. “I don’t agree with the decision, and I always thought it would start and end in Los Angeles,” Kupp wrote on X on February 3.
“2024 kicked off with one of the best training camps of my career. The preparations for 2025 begin today. Highly motivated, as healthy as ever, and excited to play elite football for years to come. I love you, guys. But I’m coming for it all.”
Fowler expressed optimism for Kupp, despite the Rams putting the one-time Pro Bowler, All-Pro, and Super Bowl winner on the trade block.
“Executives predict that Rams receiver Cooper Kupp will be traded because he is quarterback-friendly, makes contested catches, and is the type of first-one-in, last-one-out worker who will appeal to a new team.” Questions regarding age (31), decreased output, lower-body explosiveness, and injuries loom. But he can still play,” Fowler stated.
“However, there is a contract issue. Kupp is owed $20 million in 2025, with all but $5 million guaranteed as a roster bonus. The Rams would probably be ready to eat some of the contract to facilitate a deal.”
That is where Adams and the Rams may compete.
Davante Adams Could Be Cooper Kupp Replacement for Rams
The Rams and Kupp, like Adams and the Jets, rely heavily on timing. A post-June 1 agreement would save $20 million, including $9.8 million in dead cap and whatever the Rams eat.
Kupp is entering Year 2 of a three-year, $80.1 million contract.
Over The Cap estimates that the Rams will have $38.3 million in space. Some of that may have to go to Stafford. His future with the Rams has also been a topic of debate moving into the summer.
The Rams may make up for losing Kupp to Stafford by trading him for Adams.
