Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton expressed confidence in his team’s young wide receivers but left the possibility open for adding a veteran this offseason. The Broncos are currently the frontrunners to land Los Angeles Rams star Cooper Kupp.
Kupp, 31, is under contract for two more years, but the 2021 Pro Bowler, All-Pro, and Super Bowl champion revealed that the Rams have informed him of their intent to trade him.
As of February 18, the Broncos are still the favorites to acquire Kupp.
“Two weeks after Kupp revealed the Rams are trying to trade him, there have been no reports of other interested teams,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio noted on February 18. “It all comes down to whether a new team will absorb the full $20 million or if the Rams will cover part of it to facilitate a trade. If a new team or the Rams expect Kupp to take a pay cut and he refuses, an outright release could be a possibility.
“Either way, Kupp seems headed for a new team, and DraftKings lists the Broncos as the favorites at +450.”
https://twitter.com/CooperKupp/status/1886568755138101654
Kupp recorded 67 catches for 710 yards and 6 touchdowns during an injury-plagued 2024 regular season. A former receiving triple-crown winner, Kupp is entering the second year of a three-year, $80.1 million contract extension.
According to Over The Cap, the Broncos are projected to have $34.8 million in salary cap space this offseason.
Broncos Warned About Cooper Kupp Despite ‘Need’
Since February 11, the Broncos have been the favorites on DraftKings to land Cooper Kupp after his trade announcement. While head coach Sean Payton has highlighted the team’s need for a veteran receiver, he also praised the potential of younger players.
Despite this, some, like Troy Renck of the Denver Post, question whether Kupp is the right choice. Kupp, turning 32 in June, has struggled with injuries and hasn’t played more than 12 games since 2021. Trading for him would also come with a $12.5 million salary if the Rams trigger a roster bonus.
Cooper Kupp a Popular Speculative Target for Win-Now Teams
The Broncos’ odds reflect the belief among NFL media that Kupp could thrive in a role that keeps him satisfied. How they acquire him, however, could be crucial.
“The Steelers, Chiefs, or Broncos could be good fits for Kupp, where he’d see a solid target volume,” wrote The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue on February 17. Kupp also mentioned that the Rams would work with him to find a trade partner, possibly accepting less and covering some of his salary for the right fit.
https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1881096506251301283
If the Rams cover some of Kupp’s salary, it could make the trade more feasible. However, waiting for a potential release might be a smarter move for the Broncos, who will have other veteran options available. They can also explore the draft, where Tez Johnson, Bo Nix’s brother, is one potential prospect.
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