From the moment Kupp himself announced that the Rams were trying to trade him, it seemed like an impossibility. No one would be taking on his $20 million compensation package, and Kupp had no reason to take less to facilitate a deal.

The star wide receiver and team leader hasn’t found the same form since a midseason ankle injury in 2022. By designating Kupp a post-June 1 cut, the Rams save $15 million against the salary cap.

Over the last few days, the Rams also extended receiver Tutu Atwell on a one-year, $10 million deal according to a league source, and signed receiver Davante Adams on a two-year, $46 million deal with $26 million guaranteed, league sources said.