Cooper Kupp, the Los Angeles Rams’ wide receiver, has faced multiple injuries in his eight-year NFL career. Drafted in the third round from Eastern Washington in 2017, Kupp experienced his first significant injury in 2018, when a knee sprain in Week 6 sidelined him for two games.
Upon his return in Week 9, Kupp was tragically laid low again—this time by a torn ACL in his left knee in Week 10, which ended his season prematurely.
From 2019 to 2021, Kupp showed impressive resilience, missing only one game (Week 17 of 2020 due to COVID-19 protocols). During this successful span, he accumulated 331 receptions, 4,082 receiving yards, and 29 touchdowns.
His 2021 campaign was particularly remarkable, making it one of the greatest seasons in NFL history. He led the league across all key receiving statistics with 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns, achieving the Triple Crown for wide receivers—last accomplished by Steve Smith Sr. in 2005. Kupp narrowly missed breaking Calvin Johnson’s record for single-season receiving yards, finishing just 44 yards short of the 1,981 set by Johnson.
Kupp’s outstanding regular-season performance earned him the Offensive Player of the Year honor, but his playoff performance was even more impressive. Across four postseason games, he logged 33 catches, 478 yards, and six touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LVI, which led to him being named Super Bowl MVP.
However, over the last three years, Kupp has been beset by injuries again. He has played in only 23 of a possible 40 games, dealing with three ankle sprains and a hamstring strain. His most recent ankle issue has kept him out since Week 2 of this season.
As for the Rams (2-5), they are currently navigating their own difficulties this season, with hopes for a Super Bowl 59 run now dashed, leading them to consider trading Kupp to a playoff-contending team.
### Potential Trade Destinations for Cooper Kupp
A recent surge of injuries among NFL wide receivers has created opportunities in several top offenses.
One possible destination for Kupp could be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After losing slot receiver Chris Godwin for the season during a Monday night matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, and with Mike Evans unavailable until after their Week 11 bye, they are in need of assistance.
Kupp’s rapport with Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who shares roots with Sean McVay’s coaching tree, could prove advantageous. Bringing Kupp aboard would give quarterback Baker Mayfield a reliable target and could help mentor younger receivers like Trey Palmer and Jalen McMillan.
Another potential suitor is the Kansas City Chiefs, who are also searching for a standout receiver. With Rashee Rice sidelined, they have promoted Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman to more prominent roles, but their receiving group lacks true star quality. If healthy, Kupp could become a significant asset for Patrick Mahomes, easing the pressure on Travis Kelce.
While the Buccaneers might question their chances for a Super Bowl run with two key players injured, the Chiefs are vying for an unprecedented third consecutive Lombardi Trophy. Struggling to find consistency, Mahomes has thrown more interceptions (8) than touchdowns (6), and Kelce has not yet reached the end zone this season.
To clinch a victory in Super Bowl 59, Kansas City needs to bolster its passing offense. Although Kupp’s injury track record does pose some risk—especially considering the reported asking price of a second-round draft pick—the potential rewards of winning another Super Bowl could justify a substantial draft investment for the Chiefs.
