Kupp would have preferred to remain with the Rams, who drafted him in the third round, 69th overall, in 2017. The abrupt shift to a new team marks a stark contrast to the path he envisioned for his career in Los Angeles.
Following the 2024 season, the Rams made it clear they did not want Kupp back, and the receiver said their relationship “wasn’t in a good place.” The move prompted further reporting about the franchise’s approach to his contract and future.
The Athletic’s Mike Silver reported that the Rams did not pursue a reduced-salary arrangement for the 31-year-old receiver and allegedly urged him to retire, alongside guidance for other teams to offer only a veteran minimum. Those elements underscored what many viewed as a sharp aging-out decision from the Rams.
Despite posting a career-low 593 receiving yards, Kupp contributed significantly to the Seahawks clinching a berth to the Super Bowl, delivering a notable vindication against the organization that released him.
This storyline adds an extra layer to Super Bowl coverage, with readers also encouraged to follow related NFL analyses, including power rankings ahead of the game and discussions around 2026 draft targets for each team.
