Saying goodbye to Cooper Kupp

Time to embrace change and the natural order of things

Although rumors have been swirling for a while now, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp turned them into reality with a February 3 social media post stating L.A. was actively looking to deal him away. To many fans, this was akin to blasphemy, but in reality, it was simply a confluence of the natural aging process, current contract-writing trends, and the yearly influx of skill position talent.

Looking back to see forward

If you look at history, it tells you that top level wide receivers seldom play their whole careers with one team. Of the Top 25 in all-time receptions, only four, Larry Fitzgerald, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Hines Ward retired where they started. In total yardage, you sub in Steve Largent for Ward to go along with the other three. Most made their first move around 30 and eventually played with four teams overall.

TST has been covering this trend since 2021.

It’s not just past players, the current top wide outs seem to follow the trend as they near, or pass, the 30 year-old standard. Some will have already began the exodus, others will have to be willing/comfortable in secondary roles, and most will soon will face their turn in the same Rams/Kupp dilemma.

Current stars

Mike Evans (32) – The only member of the one-team club, all with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When it comes to answering the gun and production, consistency has been the hallmark of his tenure. Only missed 12 games over 11 seasons and gained 1000+ yards in each.

Deandre Hopkins (33) – Has bounced between four teams since age 27. Only started 43 of last 68 games and charted only one good season in that period.

Davante Adams (32) – After his first eight seasons in Green Bay, it’s been two different teams. Still playing very well.

Keenan Allen (33) – Slipped away to the Windy City from the SoCal climes after 11 years with the Chargers. As a free agent who had his worst “full work” statistical season, bet on him moving again.

Tyreek Hill (31) – Requested a trade from the Miami Dolphins after the season finale, so a third team in 10 years appears likely. His situation is somewhat similar to Kupp, a big salary due and no/little guaranteed cash.

These are just a few. Stefon Diggs (3 teams), Amari Cooper (4 teams), and Brandin Cooks (4 teams) are all north of 30 years-old and free agents.

Funeral for a friend/Love lies bleeding

Fans are left two choices. Hold on to hope that the two sides can kiss and make up after coming to some sort of accommodation. Or embrace the change and consider the positive possibilities it brings.

Leverage and negotiations go hand-in-hand. A player has a bloated contract, a team shops him around looking for relief, and the player goes to social media to feign ignorance. Find common ground or part ways. The only thing fans should find hard to believe is that this all came to a head in the last week.

With Kupp gone, the Rams can begin the task of moving the offense forward. Players who have his all-around skills don’t grow on trees, but just maybe, the offense can become more multiple with some explosive additions. It also will help re-align the books after some short-term pain, cutting some of fat off the very top of the roster.

Sorry, Don’t expect much, if any in return for Cooper Kupp.

The Tyreek Hill vs. Miami Dolphins situation is about the same except that Hill is still producing at a high level. Would a team be smarter to take on the huge contract of a shoot- from-the-lip playmaker still producing, or a regressing coach-on-the field team leader? As much as I have enjoyed what Kupp has brought to L.A., an outright release is the most likely outcome. Since cut veteran’s are free of the waiver process and able to consider any and all deals, there is little, if any reason for team’s to make a substantial offer.

If the ouster of Kupp comes to pass, it is simply the inevitable nature of the NFL. Puka Nacua takes over as the lead dog and there should be excitement about the addition of new support talent. Wish him Godspeed and play a dirge, but on it goes without him.