Could Cooper Kupp Reunite with Jared Goff in Detroit?

The Detroit Lions have already secured key franchise pieces in their trade of Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. Now, a new opportunity may be on the horizon, as the Rams are reportedly shopping one of their biggest stars—wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

Kupp Announces Rams’ Decision to Move On

Ahead of the Super Bowl, Kupp took to social media to confirm that the Rams intend to trade him. The news came as a shock to many, including Kupp himself.

“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,” Kupp shared. “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.”

A Perfect Fit for Detroit?

With Kupp suddenly on the trade market, speculation has already begun about potential landing spots. One team that has been consistently mentioned is the Detroit Lions, and for good reason.

“One league executive brought up Detroit to me because of the connection with Jared Goff. They came into the league together and made Pro Bowls together,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on SportsCenter. “That’s the type of instant connection together that could be fun.”

Trade or Release?

While a trade seems to be the Rams’ preference, there is a chance that Kupp could become a salary cap casualty if no team steps up with a suitable offer. If the Rams were to release him, Detroit could potentially acquire the star receiver without giving up any draft capital.

Currently, Kupp is under contract through 2026, with a cap hit of $29.8 million in 2025 and $27.3 million in 2026. The Lions have over $46.5 million in cap space for the upcoming season and $22.2 million for the following year. If the Rams release Kupp before June 1, they would take on $22.2 million in dead money but could save $15 million in cash and $7.5 million against the salary cap.

If a trade does happen, the Rams may need to absorb a large portion of Kupp’s $20 million salary in 2025 to make a deal more attractive to potential suitors.

Do the Lions Need Another Star Receiver?

The Lions’ offense was one of the best in the league last season, and while adding a former Super Bowl MVP could be a massive boost, the team may not feel pressured to make a move. Detroit is already deep at wide receiver, and if they re-sign veteran Tim Patrick, they might not see the need to pursue Kupp.

However, if Patrick departs in free agency, general manager Brad Holmes could either look to the draft for a long-term solution or take a chance on Kupp, reuniting him with Jared Goff in what could be a high-powered offensive duo.

Will the Stars Align Again?

The Lions have the resources and the connections to make this move happen, but the question remains: Is Cooper Kupp the missing piece Detroit needs to take the next step? With free agency and the draft approaching, all eyes will be on Brad Holmes and whether he decides to make another bold move for the franchise.