The Detroit Lions have been among the NFL’s top teams over the last two seasons. Under Dan Campbell’s leadership, they’ve claimed two straight NFC North titles, reached the 2023 NFC Championship Game, and secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC in 2024.
Despite a crushing divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders, the Lions remain on an upward trajectory and have another offseason to strengthen a roster with minimal major gaps.
While general manager Brad Holmes has built a powerhouse, Detroit still has noticeable weaknesses, particularly at wide receiver. Beyond Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, the team lacks elite talent and consistent production at the position.
To address this, Daniel Alameda of The Wright Way Network predicts Detroit will execute a blockbuster trade for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason.
Trading Kupp to the Lions could benefit both teams. The Rams could offload an aging, costly contract and focus on younger stars like Puka Nacua. Meanwhile, Detroit would gain a top-tier receiver to elevate their offense and strengthen their Super Bowl aspirations.
With Nacua emerging as the Rams’ top receiver and Kupp retaining trade value, the timing may be ideal for Los Angeles to part with one of their most iconic players. For Detroit, acquiring a proven No. 2 receiver could make this a win-win scenario for both franchises.
Kupp has been a steady contributor for the Rams since his 2017 rookie season. The 31-year-old has surpassed 700 receiving yards in six consecutive seasons, including two campaigns exceeding 1,000 yards.
His peak performance came in 2021 when he delivered one of the greatest seasons for a wide receiver. Kupp secured the triple crown with 145 catches, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns while also earning Super Bowl LVI MVP honors.
Though Kupp is no longer the dominant force he was in 2021 and has faced injuries in recent years, he remains a dependable target for Matthew Stafford and excels as a savvy route runner with minimal drops.
Kupp’s future with the Rams is uncertain. Following the team’s divisional loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the veteran stated his intent to keep playing football but expressed uncertainty about staying in Los Angeles.
“I’ve got a lot of good football left in me,” Kupp said during the Rams’ season-ending media session. “I’ll be playing next year, but I don’t know if it will be in L.A.”
“If I could choose, I’d stay in L.A.,” he added. “But I don’t know what’s going to happen. It’s not in my hands, so we’ll see.”
If Kupp becomes available, the Lions should pursue the 2021 All-Pro. While his prime is behind him, Kupp would make an excellent WR3, and Detroit has the means to secure him via trade.
Detroit is projected to have $57 million in cap space this offseason, according to Over the Cap. Though Kupp still has two years remaining on his $80 million extension from 2022, Detroit is in win-now mode and has the financial flexibility to absorb his contract.
Additionally, the Lions possess enough draft assets to negotiate a deal with the Rams to bring Cooper Kupp to Detroit.
