Rams GM insists they still want to trade Cooper Kupp, but can they?

The Los Angeles Rams placed wide receiver Cooper Kupp on the trade block in February, and it still seems they don't have many takers. 

While the Rams haven't agreed to a deal with another team, L.A. general manager Les Snead clarified that hasn't changed the club's plans. 

"There's a scenario, but when you get into probabilities, that would be the least likely," Snead said Wednesday when asked if Kupp may return next season. "I don't want to tell you no today and then next week, he's a Ram. You see what I mean? But you see what we're trying to do. We're working to try to find a partner and a next chapter for Cooper and ourselves."  

The Rams may face a tight timeline. The new league year starts March 12 at 4 p.m. ET. Kupp is owed a $7.5M roster bonus by March 16, and $5M of it is guaranteed on March 15.

"If there is a deadline in this situation, that roster date does weigh a good bit in the algorithm formula that we're working through," Snead said. 

It's still unclear whether the Rams will find a trade partner before that date. 

Kupp had 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdown catches in 12 games in 2024. However, he turns 32 on June 15. 

Teams may prefer a younger option, perhaps DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks. Per NFL Media insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Metcalf, 27, requested a trade Wednesday.

Kupp's injury history could also make him less attractive to potential trade partners. Over the past three seasons, he has missed 18 regular-season games because of ankle and hamstring issues. 

Cutting Kupp would be costly for L.A. If the Rams release the Super Bowl LVI MVP with a post-June 1 designation, they save $15M in cap room, but a $14.78M dead cap charge offsets that. 

Snead's desire to move on from Kupp could soon force the Rams' hand. The GM clearly wants to trade the veteran WR, but it seems his trade market has dwindled.