Rams coach Sean McVay believes that Cooper Kupp will remain with the team for the foreseeable future amid trade rumors involving the star wideout.
Kupp, who returned to the field on Thursday after missing four games with an ankle injury, has been the subject of trade speculation with LA just 2-4 heading into the game and several teams in need of a wide receiver.
However, the Rams beat the Vikings 30-20 to move within a game of the NFC West-leading Seahawks, and afterwards McVay issued an emphatic update on Kupp’s future with the team.
‘I’m really glad to have Cooper Kupp back with us and I expect it to stay that way,’ he told reporters.
Kupp caught five balls for 51 yards and a touchdown in the win.
Sean McVay said after the Rams’ win over the Vikings that he expected to Cooper Kupp to stay with the team
Kupp notched five catches for 51 yards and a touchdown in his return from an ankle injury
The Rams previously called multiple teams about trading the former Super Bowl MVP, according to The Athletic’s Diana Russini.
Sources told the publication that the team would be seeking a second-round pick for the star wideout.
Kupp admitted to reporters earlier this week that he was aware of his name being mentioned in trade talks, but was concerned with ‘being the best L.A. Ram’ possible.
‘I’m aware of it, but at the end of the day, I mean, I’m going to be where my feet are,’ Kupp said via ESPN. ‘That’s all I know. I have a job to do here. And I take a lot of pride in giving everything I can for the guys in this building and being able to step on the field knowing that I prepared the best that I can. And for seven and a half years I’ve been an L.A. Ram and I’ve taken that approach every single day.
Trade speculation surrounding Kupp has come as several teams have suffered injuries to their wide receiver rooms.
The Chiefs have lost Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and Rashee Rice, while the Bucs’ Chris Godwin is set to miss the rest of the year with an ankle injury. The 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk is also done for the season following an ACL and MCL tear.
Kansas City, at least, appears to have been ruled out as a possible destination for Kupp as the team just traded for DeAndre Hopkins.
That move also followed other blockbuster deals for wide receivers, as the Jets traded for Davante Adams and the Bills acquired Amari Cooper.
Kupp (as long as he’s not moved) and the Rams will now prepare for a matchup at Seattle on Sunday.
