By Blessing 
Detroit Lions Linked to Cooper Kupp Trade Rumors by ESPN Insider
One NFL insider believes the Detroit Lions could potentially enter the mix for a trade involving Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
On Monday, Kupp tweeted a statement that hinted at the surprising development:
“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 wrote. “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.”
Given Kupp’s history with Jared Goff during their shared time with the Rams, some believe Detroit may be a natural landing spot. While wide receiver isn’t a glaring need for the Lions—especially with Tim Patrick in the lineup, though he’s set to become a free agent—ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler speculated that Detroit might enter the conversation.
Speaking on SportsCenter, Fowler suggested several teams that could be in play. “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?”
However, it’s important to note that this is pure speculation. Fowler’s comments are based on “early teams that people are bantering about,” without specifying who those people are or offering any confirmation of discussions between Detroit and the Rams. The Lions’ inclusion in the list appears to be largely due to Goff and Kupp’s previous chemistry in Los Angeles.
Even if Detroit were interested, there are financial and practical hurdles. Kupp’s contract is hefty, with a $12.5 million salary and a $7.5 million roster bonus in 2025, creating a $20 million cap hit for any team that acquires him. Experts suggest the Rams may cover some of that expense to facilitate a trade. In 2026, Kupp is slated to earn $14.85 million plus a $5 million roster bonus, though none of that is guaranteed.
Adding to the challenge is Kupp’s age and injury history. He will be 32 at the start of the 2025 season, and injuries have sidelined him in recent years. Because of these factors, it’s unlikely the Rams will receive anything more than a Day 3 draft pick in return for the veteran receiver.
For Detroit, that could make the trade somewhat intriguing. But the question remains whether the Lions would prefer to re-sign Tim Patrick for a lower cost and continue focusing on maintaining their already explosive offense. They may decide that money would be better spent addressing defensive needs, especially with key pending free agents like Carlton Davis, Levi Onwuzurike, and Derrick Barnes.
Ultimately, while the speculation is interesting, it remains unclear whether the Lions will seriously pursue Kupp. For now, it appears to be just another rumor making waves in the NFL offseason.