NFL Trade Rumors: Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots Set to Pursue Cooper Kupp as Rams Face Crucial Decision

January 23, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – A major shake-up could be on the horizon for the Los Angeles Rams as the team faces a tough decision about one of its most beloved stars: wide receiver Cooper Kupp. After another promising but ultimately underwhelming season for the Rams, the 31-year-old two-time All-Pro and 2021 Offensive Player of the Year finds himself on the trade block, and two major teams— the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots— are emerging as top suitors for his services.

The trade rumors come after a season that saw Kupp battle through injuries, missing five games in 2024 but still contributing significantly to the Rams’ push for the NFC West Division title. Since returning to Los Angeles in 2016, Kupp has been a consistent and reliable figure in the Rams’ offense, becoming a staple of the team and playing a key role in their Super Bowl LVI victory. But with the Rams facing cap space constraints and Kupp’s contract looming large, it’s clear that both sides are contemplating their next steps.

A Decade of Consistency and Injury Woes

Cooper Kupp has been a fixture for the Rams ever since they moved back to Los Angeles from St. Louis, initially drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Eastern Washington University. Over the course of his career, Kupp has developed into one of the NFL’s most reliable and productive wide receivers. His 2021 season, in which he led the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and touchdown catches (16), earned him widespread recognition and the title of Offensive Player of the Year.

However, the last few seasons have been marred by injuries, most notably the 2022 season, which saw him miss significant time with a high ankle sprain, and the 2024 season, where he again had to sit out five games. Despite these setbacks, Kupp remained a key component of the Rams’ offense, even as the team battled inconsistency at quarterback and struggled to stay competitive in the NFC West.

His impressive ability to rack up yardage and make crucial plays when needed makes Kupp an attractive piece for any team looking to add a veteran presence to their wide receiver corps. But the Rams now find themselves at a crossroads.

The Financial Reality for the Rams

Kupp’s current contract, which he signed in 2022, is a hefty three-year, $80.1 million deal, a significant investment for the team. Despite his production, the Rams are facing the reality of their cap situation. In 2025, Kupp’s base salary will rise to $12.5 million, with only about $5 million guaranteed. If the Rams decide to part ways with Kupp before June 1, they could free up $7.52 million in cap space, an appealing prospect for a team that is looking to retool its roster and manage its finances going forward.

Though cutting Kupp outright is one option, trading him is another—and given his status as one of the league’s top receivers, a trade would likely bring in a substantial return. Kupp’s combination of elite production when healthy, leadership qualities, and experience would make him a desirable asset for a contender, especially one in need of a reliable pass-catcher.

Minnesota Vikings: A Natural Fit for Kupp?

The Minnesota Vikings have emerged as a strong contender to land Kupp, with the possibility of a reunion with former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator, Kevin O’Connell. Since O’Connell took over as the Vikings’ head coach in 2022, Minnesota’s offense has made strides, particularly under the leadership of quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Vikings’ offense, though productive, has lacked a true WR1 to complement their explosive passing attack, and adding Kupp would fill that gap seamlessly.

John Buhler, an NFL columnist for Fansided, suggested that the Vikings could be a perfect landing spot for Kupp, pointing out that his history with O’Connell could be a key factor in making this trade a reality. In 2021, Kupp turned in one of the best seasons in NFL history, catching 145 passes for nearly 2,000 yards, with O’Connell serving as the Rams’ offensive coordinator. If Kupp were to reunite with O’Connell in Minnesota, he could return to his All-Pro form and provide the Vikings with a dynamic weapon to pair with wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, giving the team one of the most potent receiving corps in the NFL.

With the Vikings’ continued playoff aspirations and a desire to push further into contention for a Super Bowl, acquiring Kupp would give Minnesota another proven playmaker to help push them over the top. The Vikings have the cap space and draft capital necessary to make such a move, and Kupp would undoubtedly be a top target for the team.

The New England Patriots: A Reunion with Josh McDaniels?

While the Vikings are considered a strong contender, another team is generating significant buzz in the trade rumors surrounding Kupp: the New England Patriots. Christopher Kline, another writer for Fansided, argues that the Patriots are the “obvious” destination for Kupp, given the team’s new direction under head coach Mike Vrabel and the presence of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who is returning to New England after a brief stint as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Patriots, despite their struggles in recent seasons, have made notable changes to their coaching staff, and there is renewed optimism surrounding their rebuild. A major part of that optimism comes in the form of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, who showed flashes of brilliance during his first season. However, Maye, like many young quarterbacks, struggled at times to find a reliable go-to receiver in critical situations. Enter Cooper Kupp.

Joining the Patriots would reunite Kupp with Kendrick Bourne, his college teammate at Eastern Washington, where the two developed a strong bond. Bourne has already taken to social media, playfully inviting Kupp to New England, and the prospect of these two players working together again has Patriots fans excited. With Kupp in the fold, Maye would have a proven, reliable weapon to target in clutch moments, something that would go a long way in helping the Patriots’ young quarterback settle into his role.

For Kupp, the opportunity to play for the Patriots and reunite with McDaniels and Bourne could be an appealing proposition. New England’s offense, while in transition, has shown promise, and adding Kupp would give the Patriots a legitimate threat in the passing game. Kupp’s savvy route running, ability to create separation, and playmaking skills would immediately elevate New England’s offense and provide Maye with the support he needs to succeed.

The Future of Cooper Kupp

As the 2025 offseason kicks into gear, all eyes are on Cooper Kupp’s potential move away from Los Angeles. While the Rams are still weighing their options—whether to cut or trade the veteran receiver—the two most likely landing spots are the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots. Both teams are positioned to contend for playoff spots, and Kupp’s addition could make a significant difference in their quest for postseason success.

Whether reuniting with O’Connell in Minnesota or joining forces with Maye and McDaniels in New England, Kupp’s next move will be a pivotal moment in his career. His ability to return to full health and continue playing at an elite level will be a major factor in determining his future success, but wherever he lands, Cooper Kupp will remain one of the most coveted playmakers in the NFL.

As the Rams look to manage their cap space and make tough decisions about their roster, Kupp’s fate will likely be determined soon. For now, it seems as though Minnesota and New England will be the front-runners in the race for one of the NFL’s most dynamic wide receivers, setting the stage for an intriguing offseason.