The NFL trade landscape is abuzz with speculation surrounding Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp. As the trade deadline approaches, rumors about potential destinations for the former Super Bowl MVP are swirling. While several teams have been mentioned in connection with Kupp, three intriguing possibilities stand out: the Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Why these teams could be ideal landing spots for the talented wideout? Let’s talk about it.
Kupp’s contract situation plays a significant role in these considerations. We talked about the $23 million dead cap for the retired Aaron Donald, and with substantial cap hits looming in the coming years, the Rams are viewing this as an opportune moment to move on from the receiver while his value remains high.
Landing Spots for Cooper Kupp
The Buffalo Bills: A Perfect Fit for Kupp’s Skillset?
The Buffalo Bills have long searched for a reliable star receiver to replace Stefon Diggs. Kupp could be the missing piece that elevates their passing attack to new heights.
Offensive Scheme Compatibility
Buffalo’s offensive system, orchestrated by coordinator Ken Dorsey, emphasizes quick releases and precision route-running – where Kupp excels. His ability to create separation in short to intermediate routes would mesh seamlessly with Josh Allen‘s strengths, providing a reliable target that can convert high targets. Kupp would be invaluable in developing first-round frat pick Keon Coleman while moving the Bills higher up the power rankings.
Red Zone Efficiency
The Bills have occasionally struggled in the red zone, where Kupp has historically thrived. His knack for finding soft spots in coverage and precise route-running could significantly boost Buffalo’s scoring efficiency inside the 20-yard line.
The Bills have Minnesota’s second-round pick this year and their own. Both look to be later-round picks, so moving one of them for Kupp now is a no-brainer. However, they only have $2.9 million available, so some accounting work and the Rams eating some of Kipp’s Salary would be a necessity.
The Jacksonville Jaguars: Building Around Trevor Lawrence
The Jacksonville Jaguars have shown flashes of brilliance with Trevor Lawrence at quarterback, but he has a wide receiver dropping easy touchdowns problem. He has dropped nine beautiful dimes that grace his receiver’s hands in the end zone and fall to the ground, five from Gabe Davis alone. Kupp’s reliability and inside route running could transform the Jaguars struggling offense.
Elevating Trevor Lawrence’s Game
Lawrence has demonstrated tremendous potential but has come under scrutiny due to Press Taylor’s questionable playcalling and issues with the receiver’s lack of focus. Kupp’s route-running expertise, football IQ, and ability to find open spaces and adjust on the fly would provide Lawrence with the edge he needs to take the step up to NFL elite status we have all been waiting for.
Kupp’s cap hit is $29 million in 2024; the Jaguars have $28 million of cap space left for the season, so they can easily handle the remainder of Kupp’s salary. The Rams are looking for a second-round pick, which may be a bit much, but the Jaguars have two third-round picks to make a deal.
The Washington Commanders: Revitalizing an Offense in Transition
The Washington Commanders find themselves at a crossroads, with a new ownership group and a desire to build a contender coming to fruition. Acquiring Kupp could signal their intent to make an actual playoff run immediately while providing an integral last piece to a potent passing game.
With Jayden Daniels‘s rib injury returning negative and him likely only being out two games at the most, now is a great time to pull the trigger on a big trade with Kupp. The Commanders have an inordinate amount of cap space, with $121 million available this year. Not capitalizing on the early success they have had would be something only the old Redskins regime would do.
Offensive Identity With Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin
Kupp would be invaluable for JD5’s development. Kupp’s route-running precision and ability to create separation could serve as a security blanket for an inexperienced signal-caller, allowing him a quick out and alleviating the excessive hits he is taking scrambling or getting sacked.
The one-two punch of Kupp and Scary Terry Mclaurin would be an offensive show we haven’t seen since the high-flying Rams of the early 2000s. With new ownership looking to capitalize on the reinvigorated fanbase, a high-profile acquisition like Kupp would generate significant buzz and excitement. His presence could help fill seats and create a renewed optimism around the franchise.
Main Image: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
