Getty Image / Jayne Kamin-Oncea
The Los Angeles Rams made an interesting decision on Wednesday after opting to adjust Cooper Kupp’s contract.
It’s not clear why the move was made, but it has NFL fans pondering if the franchise is targeting one of the remaining big name free agents.
According to Field Yates, $13.92 million of Cooper Kupp’s contract has been converted into a signing bonus. This saves the Rams $10.44 million in cap space for the upcoming season.
The Rams have converted $13.92M of WR Cooper Kupp’s base salary into a signing bonus, creating $10.44M in 2023 cap space, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 14, 2023
There are a multitude of reasons why the Rams decided to adjust his contract.
In fact, Yates does a great job of providing a realistic reason, as well as a more fun option that fans are running away with.
the less fun (and more likely) theory: they needed in-season wiggle room and space to sign their rookies
the more fun theory: the rams are ready to get weird and want to sign someone
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 14, 2023
So, it sounds like the most likely scenario is Los Angeles wanted extra money to sign all of their incoming rookies. Which makes complete sense.
On the other hand, football fans think a bigger move might be in play.
Is it Dalvin or DHop?
— Kirky (@Kirkycfc) June 14, 2023
I see what you did there!
I Diggs that move. 😎
— Professor (@Jim_Kotsakis) June 14, 2023
Plenty of people believe the Rams are potentially interested in Danielle Hunter.
— L🅰️LO (@Yosoylal0) June 14, 2023
This would be a crazy big move.
Could be a move for chase young?!
— Joshua Reece (@JoshlnTheHouse) June 14, 2023
Look, the Rams very well could be planning a big move. It’s hard to imagine they work out a trade for a star player at this point though.
If they do use the saved money from Cooper Kupp’s contract, then it would be used on someone in free agency.
The most intriguing names that would make the most sense are Dalvin Cook and DeAndre Hopkins. Both would play significant roles and could be enough to boost the Rams’ chances for a playoff run.
Meanwhile, LA has plenty of rookies they want to sign as well.
With that said, keep an eye on the Rams, as they seemingly have some kind of plan up their sleeve.