Matthew Stafford will return to the Los Angeles Rams for another season, but for the first time since arriving in 2021, he’ll be without one of his most trusted weapons—Cooper Kupp.
The star wide receiver revealed in February that the Rams informed him of their decision to trade him, signaling the end of an era for one of the NFL’s most dominant quarterback-receiver duos. On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that if the Rams are unable to find a trade partner by Wednesday, Kupp will likely be released.
For Stafford, the departure of his favorite target and close friend is a difficult reality to accept. He recently addressed Kupp’s looming exit on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, reflecting on what Kupp has meant to him both on and off the field.
Stafford on Kupp: “That One is Tough”
Stafford didn’t hold back when discussing how much Kupp has meant to his career and transition to the Rams.
“I ran into him right when they told the news that they were talking about trading him. That one is tough,” Stafford admitted. “You’re around this game long enough, those kind of things happen. It’s tough, especially for a guy that’s meant so much to me and my career.”
Stafford credited Kupp for helping him quickly adapt to the Rams’ system and culture when he arrived in 2021. The duo built an instant chemistry, and their bond extended beyond just their on-field connection.
“How he helped me get in with the Rams, in that locker room, what it’s all about to be part of that team—he was such a huge part of that for me,” Stafford continued. “I’ve probably spent more time with him as a teammate than any other teammate in my career. And that just happened organically.”
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A Legendary Connection That Fell Victim to Injuries
When Stafford joined the Rams in 2021, his partnership with Kupp became an instant success, culminating in a historic season for both players.
Kupp led the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and touchdowns (16), becoming just the fourth player in league history to win the receiving Triple Crown. He capped off the year by winning Super Bowl MVP, catching the game-winning touchdown pass from Stafford in Super Bowl LVI against the Bengals.
However, injuries prevented them from reaching those heights again over the following three seasons. Kupp suffered a high ankle sprain in 2022 and hamstring issues in 2023, limiting his production and availability. Meanwhile, the Rams transitioned toward a younger receiving corps, led by breakout star Puka Nacua, which made Kupp’s massive contract difficult to justify.
Stafford’s Heartfelt Farewell to Kupp
Despite the business side of football separating them, Stafford made it clear that his respect and admiration for Kupp go far beyond the game.
“He’s meant a ton to me as a player, but even more probably as a person,” Stafford said. “He’s a fantastic player, he means a ton to our team, but just as a human being, as a person, he’s as good as it gets.”
While Stafford remains hopeful that Kupp can stay in L.A., he also believes that any team landing him will be getting more than just a great receiver.
“I love Cooper and would love the opportunity to continue to play with him,” Stafford said. “Whoever gets him, he’s a fantastic person for the locker room, for the team, and when he’s healthy, he’s still ballin’.”
A New Era: Stafford to Team Up with Davante Adams
While losing Kupp is undoubtedly a blow for Stafford, the Rams wasted no time finding his next go-to target. Over the weekend, Davante Adams signed a two-year deal with the team, setting the stage for a new elite quarterback-receiver duo in Los Angeles.
Adams, a six-time Pro Bowler, remains one of the most dominant wideouts in the league, and his arrival could help fill the void left by Kupp’s departure.
While the Stafford-Kupp chapter in Rams history may be coming to a close, there’s no doubt it will be remembered as one of the most electric partnerships in modern NFL history—one that delivered a Super Bowl and an MVP-worthy season.
Now, Stafford will turn the page and look to build a new legacy with Adams and the Rams’ emerging young core, as he chases another championship in Los Angeles.