Sean McVay didn’t sound certain on future of Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp heading into offseason
As has been the case over the last few offseasons with the Los Angeles Rams, the futures of quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp will be a primary topic of discussion. When it comes to Stafford, there are more questions regarding his potential retirement whereas with Kupp, it’s more of a business decision.
Just last offseason before training camp, the Rams re-did Stafford’s contract, essentially wiping any guarantees after 2024. If Stafford does return, a new contract would certainly be part of that. With that said, it doesn’t seem as guaranteed as it has been in the past. At this time last year, head coach Sean McVay was asked whether or not Stafford would be back. Said McVay at the time,
“A hundred percent, absolutely. Unequivocally, yes. He’s ready to go and couldn’t be more committed to having him lead us next year.”
When asked the same question this year, the tone was very different and didn’t seem so certain. McVay said on Thursday,
“We’ll talk about all those things at the appropriate time. I know he’s playing really good football. Obviously, I love him and love working with him. What he’s meant to our football team has been immeasurable in a positive way…I think he’s playing really good football and like I said, when we get back, we’ll talk about all those types of things but I’m sure proud of the body of work and really proud of the way that he’s played. I think the coolest thing you can say about Matthew is he shines the brightest on the biggest stages…He certainly gives you a chance every time you step out on the field and for that I’m sure appreciative.”
On Thursday, McVay beat around the bush a little more than he did this time last year. The Rams head coach seemed to be more appreciative for what Stafford has done rather than a look ahead to the future.
This isn’t to say that Stafford won’t be back in 2025, but until a new contract is signed, nothing is guaranteed. Stafford was asked after the Eagles game if he still had football left and said, “Sure feels like it.” However, some of those things said in the moment can’t be taken at face value. The Rams quarterback will certainly take time to decide what he wants to do and what makes sense for him and go from there.
In the case that Stafford does return, the only team that makes sense is the Rams. For Stafford to uproot his family and start over in another environment for maybe one more year doesn’t make a lot of sense. Even if the Vikings or Jets called, it would be hard to see Stafford saying yes. At the same time, for the Rams to move on from Stafford for someone like Sam Darnold or even roll with Jimmy Garoppolo would feel like punting on 2025. The Rams and Stafford are a perfect match for each other and at this point, it’s hard to see them going their separate ways.
Again, it’s going to come down to whether or not Stafford wants to continue playing. He played the last four games of the season with cracked ribs and may not want to go through that physical punishment again. Additionally, it will come down to the contract and whether or not the Rams and Stafford’s team can come up with something that makes sense for both sides.
Where this gets more complicated is with wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Right before the trade deadline, McVay was asked if he thought Kupp could be traded. At the time McVay said,
“I don’t… that’s not a move that we want to make…Like I said, he’s a Ram and we expect it to stay that way.”
Much like with Stafford, when McVay talked about Kupp on Thursday, his answers were much more along the lines of how much he appreciated their contributions. Said McVay,
“I think you know from our time together how much those guys have meant to me personally, professionally, and what they mean to our football team. Let’s really sit down with ownership, with the rest of the leadership group, with our coaching staff and let’s really evaluate… alright, what’s the best thing for the Rams football team moving into 2025? I’m sure grateful and appreciative of those guys and what they’ve meant to me both personally and professionally.”
The answer for Kupp isn’t quite, “He’s our quarterback right now”, but it’s pretty close. The Kupp situation is a lot more complex. The Rams wide receiver is set to have a cap hit of $29.78-million in 2025. That would make him the fifth-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL. At this point in his career, Kupp simply isn’t playing up to that contract. He’s not as dynamic after the catch and his 32 Open Score via ESPN wide receiver metrics was the worst of his career.
By cutting Kupp, the Rams take on $22.26-million in dead money, but also save $7.5-million. If they are able to trade him, they would retain just $9.78-million and save $20-million. However, finding a trade partner to take on that much salary wouldn’t be easy.
In an ideal world, the Rams are able to void Kupp’s deal and the two sides can work something out. If the Rams are able to keep Kupp at a number around $14-million while he takes on a smaller role in the offense, that may be an option. However, at the end of the day, the NFL is a business. Both Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt finished their careers with different teams.
With Puka Nacua looking like a top-5 wide receiver in the NFL, the Rams may be ready to build a wide receiver room around him and mutually agree to part ways with Kupp. That may be the best path forward for the offense as a whole.
The Rams will be looking for a quick resolution on both sides. Either way, there will be a lot of eyes and certainly rumors on the futures of Stafford and Kupp over the next month and a half.
