The Super Bowl hasn’t even happened yet, but we already have some big “offseason” news for 2025. On a social media post Monday, Cooper Kupp announced he’s been told by the Los Angeles Rams that the team “will be seeking a trade immediately.” This news is monumental in the NFL world, as Kupp has been one of the best wide receivers in the league. However, the phrase “had been” is crucial here, and it raises some concerns for fantasy managers.
Kupp is entering what will be his age-32 season, and that’s not exactly a prime age for a wide receiver. The success rate for wideouts at this age changing teams is not promising. In the Super Bowl era, there have been 92 instances of a wide receiver scoring over 200 points at the age of 32 or older. Shockingly, only six of those instances came from a wide receiver in his first season with a new team. This trend begs the question: can Kupp break the mold?
What’s more, only two players—Steve Smith Sr. in 2014 and Wes Welker in 2013—have accomplished this feat since 1989! This is reminiscent of Jordy Nelson, who saw his stats decline in his early 30s with the Packers before finishing his career with a disappointing season in Oakland. Nelson managed just 739 yards, three touchdowns, and 156.7 fantasy points, landing as the WR37. Can Kupp avoid a similar fate?
In real football terms, several teams are likely to show interest in Kupp. The Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers are popular destinations. But here’s the kicker: those teams don’t necessarily translate into fantasy gold. Kupp’s recent lack of durability and diminishing stats make him someone to avoid in 2025 fantasy drafts. He hasn’t played a full season since 2021, when he had the best fantasy season of all time among wide receivers, scoring an astonishing 439.5 points. Since then, his points-per-game average has dropped by over 11 points—when he’s been able to play.
This past season was particularly troubling for Kupp. His stats fell off a cliff in the second half. In his final five games, he was held to fewer than six points in four of them, including a zero-point stinker on a Thursday night in San Francisco. To put it simply, Kupp averaged a dismal 6.8 points during that stretch. This raises a critical question for fantasy managers: is it worth the risk to draft Kupp in 2025?
If Kupp is to have any chance to break this trend and find fantasy success with a new team at his age, here are some potential landing spots that could be beneficial for both him and fantasy managers.
Potential Landing Spots for Kupp
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are on the lookout for wide receiver help this offseason, especially with Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins both hitting free agency. Kupp, primarily a slot receiver, played 40% of his snaps on the perimeter last season, which could allow him to fit in well alongside Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir. Plus, catching passes from star quarterback Josh Allen could reignite Kupp’s fantasy value.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With Chris Godwin slated to become a free agent, the Buccaneers could be in the market for a new slot receiver. Kupp would be a natural fit in an offense that thrived through the air last season. Additionally, he has familiarity with Baker Mayfield from their brief time together in Los Angeles, which could help them develop chemistry quickly.
Houston Texans
Stefon Diggs is recovering from a torn ACL and is also a free agent, while Tank Dell will miss the 2025 season due to a serious knee injury. If the Texans let Diggs walk, Kupp could step in as the second option in the passing game behind Nico Collins. This scenario presents an attractive fantasy opportunity for Kupp, who could thrive in a revamped Texans offense.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders have five wide receivers heading to free agency, including two slot men, Olamide Zaccheus and Jamison Crowder. With Zach Ertz also likely to become a free agent, Kupp could fit seamlessly into a potentially explosive passing game under quarterback Jayden Daniels. The opportunity for Kupp to be a key contributor could be enticing for fantasy managers.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are in dire need of talent at wide receiver, with Jakobi Meyers being one of the few bright spots. Kupp would likely see plenty of targets under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. The big question mark will be who the Raiders choose at quarterback, as many mock drafts have them selecting Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders at No. 6 overall. Regardless, Kupp could be a valuable asset in Sin City.
The Sleeper to Watch
One last quick note before we wrap up: Kupp’s absence could put Jordan Whittingham on the sleeper radar as the Rams’ projected new slot receiver. If Kupp moves on, Whittingham could become a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, especially in PPR formats.
As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL season, the fate of Cooper Kupp will undoubtedly be a hot topic. Will he revive his career with a new team, or will he continue to struggle? Only time will tell, but for fantasy managers, the stakes are high. Keep an eye on Kupp’s situation as the offseason unfolds!
