LIVE REPORT: Could the Detroit Lions Get Involved in a Trade for Cooper Kupp?
As the Detroit Lions fanbase turns its attention to Myles Garrett and his trade request, there may be another significant trade on the horizon that could involve Detroit. Earlier this week, veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams shared news on social media revealing that the Rams had informed him they intend to trade him this offseason.
“I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships,” Kupp tweeted on Monday. “I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA. Still, if there’s one thing that I have learned over the years: there are so many things that are out of your control, but it is how you respond to these things that you will look back on and remember.”
While the Lions don’t have an immediate, glaring need at wide receiver, with Tim Patrick set to hit free agency, the possibility of acquiring Kupp has surfaced. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler suggested on SportsCenter that Detroit could be one of the teams to watch in potential trade talks for Kupp.
“As far as early teams that people are bantering about, Pittsburgh Steelers looked into Cooper Kupp at the trade deadline last season. They still have a need there. Washington could look for a complement to Terry McLaurin. The Patriots would be foolish not to at least check in on this given their receiver situation. And here are a few surprises for you: Detroit Lions. Jared Goff came in the league with Cooper Kupp. That’s instant chemistry. And then doesn’t this feel a Kansas City Chiefs move a little bit?”
Let’s make one thing clear: This is purely speculation from Fowler. His entire opening to the report revolves around “early teams that people are bantering about,” without specifying who is behind this chatter. There’s no concrete indication that the Lions have initiated any talks for Kupp. It appears the mention of Detroit stems mostly from the shared history between Jared Goff and Kupp, who spent four seasons together in Los Angeles. However, this alone doesn’t provide strong evidence to suggest the Lions will get involved.
There’s also the issue of Kupp’s hefty contract. For 2025, Kupp has a salary of $12.5 million along with a $7.5 million roster bonus due shortly after the start of the new league year. This amounts to a $20 million cap hit for any team acquiring him. While some experts believe the Rams may be willing to absorb some of that cost, the financial implications are still significant. For 2026, Kupp is set to earn a $14.85 million salary, plus a $5 million roster bonus, although none of that is guaranteed.
Given Kupp’s sizable contract, his injury history over the past three seasons, and the fact that he’ll be 32 years old at the start of the 2025 season, it’s doubtful that the Rams would receive more than a Day 3 draft pick in return for him. This could potentially make Kupp an intriguing option for a team like Detroit, but the financial burden of his contract remains a concern.
For the Lions, re-signing Tim Patrick at a much lower cost might be a more sensible move, allowing them to maintain their explosive offense from 2024 while saving resources for more pressing issues on defense. The Lions will need to make decisions regarding upcoming free agents like Carlton Davis, Levi Onwuzurike, and Derrick Barnes, which could be a better use of their available funds.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
