The Carolina Panthers saw a three-win improvement in the first season of Dave Canales, finishing with a 5-12 record. Multiple players showed positive steps forward in different areas, and one of those guys was quarterback Bryce Young.
After getting benched at the beginning of the season, Young took major steps in the second half of the season.
With a young quarterback in the fold, the Panthers need to get him a star receiver. They added Xavier Legette in the 2024 NFL Draft and have veteran Adam Thielen on the books for the 2025 season. Regardless they need more and the perfect choice just hit the trade block.
On Monday, Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp revealed that the team informed him that they would be seeking to trade him immediately.
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. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) February 4, 2025
Still, if there’s… pic.twitter.com/XWmbGVscGy
NFL News: Cooper Kupp is on the Trade Block
Kupp has been with the Rams since being selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The Eastern Washington product provided Los Angeles with a silky smooth route runner who had reliable hands.
Over 104 career games, Kupp notched 634 receptions (892 targets) for 7,776 receiving yards, and 57 touchdowns.
Even though he's lost a step lately, he would still provide the Panthers with a quality pass-catcher. One of the biggest hurdles that will surface in trade negotiations is Kupp's cap hit. In 2025, Kupp is on the books for $29 million, and $27 million in 2026.
Kupp also has a $7.5 million roster bonus but it's been reported that the Rams are open to paying that portion of his deal. That's a big development and would help in trade talks.
While Kupp is 31 years old, he's the type of player that would give Carolina a consistent weapon in the aerial attack. Yes, they have a veteran receiver in Thielen already on the roster, but it would be hard to pass up on the opportunity to add a weapon like Kupp.
He would immediately give Young a new playmaker, which is needed as he heads into his third year in the pros.