[Zen_Ronin]

Malik Nabers via twitter, by way of reddit...

[Dare]

Not every move the Rams make makes sense to us or seems not to work out. But they have their reasons for needing to move Kupp ASAP. It could sound like a pure cap move but the urgency gives me reason for pause.

That said there is no doubt that as great as Kupp is his cap number and habitual injury status make this move logical. Let's face it, the cupboard isn't bear with Nacua, Robinson and Whittington. I think Atwell is gone replaced by Smith who is also very fast and far more versatile than Tutu as he returns punts as well. The minute Tutu failed as a punt returner I knew his days were numbered.

There is no question that a tall fast (4.4 type speed) WR will be on the Ram's draft radar, probably in the 3rd or 4th round. I think the Rams are hoping that a WR needy team will give them a 5th Rd. pick for him though I think it would take a Kupp and a 6th rd pick to get that high. But this would allow them to target a TE & WR in the 4th & 5th rds. Remember those are the rounds the Rams found Higbee and Nacua so you can't be dismissive of the talent in those rounds, especially the WR who will have a developmental year as a rookie.

Getting a 5th Rd pick really changes their draft IMO. They need 2 OT's and a TE. The LT will come on the first or second day depending on how the QB draft develops. But by having both a 4th and 5th rd pick (they currently have no 5th rd pick) it would allow them to look at TEs and RTs in those rounds.

People tend to forget they have their early CB pick in Forbes, and I would expect the Rams not to make the same mistake again and extend Witherspoon, 2-3 years (3rd year an option year and to spread the cap) With Durant, Witherspoon, and Forbes they have 3 starting quality CBs already. Wallace looks like a capable dime DB in a zone scheme.

I still think they should move Nick Hampton to ILB. He's got the size and speed they need there. He's the odd-man out at OLB with Hoecht and Brennan as he's a bit undersized at OLB. He was being looked at as a MIKE LB in his draft.

If Gallimore hits the weight room hard this offseason he could be that NT they need. His issue was inconsistency by getting out muscled on the LOS. That said I expect them to draft a NT/DT in this draft.

No I think moving Kupp is more than cap expediency. The urgency would suggest they are planning something and that requires advance prep. Again I don't think Kupp to Detroit for Anzalone would be a bad trade and good for both guys and teams. Alex would solve their immediate need for a good run stopping ILB. I think the Rams promised Kupp they would move him to a "good situation" and it wouldn't get better than the Lions and be paired with Goff. It's likely to go down with not just the players but picks involved. Such as Kupp + one of 3 third round picks for Anzalone and the Lions second round pick.

That second round pick frees up their #26 for a QB and to take a LT in the second round along with 2 third round picks (such as a NT/DT & WR).

Whether or not these things are in the mix is pure speculation, but one thing that seems to not be speculation would be the Rams have a very specific reason for being in a hurry to move Kupp and IMO means it would affect both team's draft plans.

[ramman2999]

So we can get Malike Nabors?????

[ramman2999]

I think we can get Tmac from Arizona. And sign Adam Tielen.

[AltiTude Ram]

My first response is this is a kick in the nuts. Kupp is one of my favorite players on the team. I'm still trying to move on from AD.

That being said, what do the Rams do moving forward?

Jeremy Fowler (ESPN):

The Jets must address the future of receiver Davante Adams, whose $38.3 million cap hit is untenable. A source told me Adams is intrigued by a return to the West Coast and would be open to potentially joining teams such as the Rams or Chargers — if he gets released. I would put the 49ers in the conversation, too. Adams grew up in Northern California

[BobCarl]

Adams is passive aggressive diva.... incredible talent who would mesh with Stafford in heartbeat

[Elvis]

Maybe Jimmy G. can help recruit Adams.

Deebo wants out of SF:

[Dare]

Geez why all the doom and gloom. Anyone who questions why he's gone only needs to look at Pro Football Reference. His production has been in a steady decline over the past 3 years. He was being paid a premium and physically not able to deliver.

His last 100 yd game was week 11 against the Dolphins. He only had 3 of those kinds of games and one game for about 90 yards all season. His cap was $29.7M and would be the same in 2025. I don't care who you are that kind of production, regardless of health is going to get you released in this case traded. I think the only way they will be able to trade him will be to package him with Stafford. Kupp is still due about $37M over two more years. He's a great talent who couldn't stay healthy.

That said look at how the team fared this year basically without Kupp for most of it. I think they will draft another Whittington type of WR. I.e. big, fast, and physical. Once he retires he can become a position coach either in college or the NFL. Just look at how he helped Puka.

Reality isn't nice. But in this case, it's not the team being unfair. They carried him for 3 years while overpaying him for his production. For him to say he's surprised does him no credit. He had to know.

As fans we say thankyou Coop and good luck buddy. He was a key component of how this franchise was rebuilt. Don't feel sorry for him. As a Ram he will have made close to $90M he can retire and sell his coffee and remain a fixture in LA for the rest of his life with a comfortable life. I was born and raised in LA and in order to retire I had to move to Tucson. That's the way life is.

It's no different for Stafford. He came to LA for a ring and he got that. He had a golden opportunity for a second ring but his arm wore out and changed the playoff trajectory for the entire team. There is no doubt in my mind that the Rams could beat Detroit. If Tampa could have beaten the Eagles the championship game would have been in SoFi.

Stafford forced this trade before last season when he forced the change in his contract out of pure greed. Kelly can be bitter all she wants but her husband created this scenario. I am not surprised in the least that the Rams are trying to trade him. Had he not pulled that stunt for another $4M he would be the Ram's QB this year. Matt knew his arm was going on him so that is why he did what he did. But in doing so he hung the Rams out to dry. Why is anyone surprised??!! The message was clear to the rest of the team. The Rams treat you well, abuse that and you are gone.

As far as I'm concerned this chapter of the Rams is closing with a new one on the horizon.

[BobCarl]

Maybe Jimmy G. can help recruit Adams.

I think you were joking ... The last time those two played together Adams TOLD the HC to bench Grap for the rest of the season, and the HC complied.

Is there any indication that the Rams really want to resign Grap?

[Elvis]

Is there any indication that the Rams really want to resign Grap?

No indication one way or the other except Schrager saying Rams like him.

I suppose it would also depend on if any other team has interest in him...