The Los Angeles Rams were one touchdown away from appearing in the NFC Championship Game this year. Although they haven’t reached the postseason every season with quarterback Matthew Stafford under center, they’ve certainly elevated their franchise and are consistently one of the most potent offenses in the league.
That may be changing soon though. Stafford’s wife, Kelly Stafford, expressed discontent with the Rams’ organization, specifically how they are handling the Cooper Kupp trade situation on her podcast ‘The Morning After.’
‘I will say the trading away of Cooper, I guess I’m just a little, I’m confused. Because we were one play away from going to the NFC Championship, and I think if we go, we win,’ Stafford said.
It’s unclear whether or not a potential Kupp trade would be the final straw for the Stafford family or if there had been other instances building up Stafford’s unhappiness. It is clear, however, that at least Kelly Stafford is unhappy with the direction the Rams’ franchise is going.
‘I love the city of L.A. With that being said, I love an adventure,’ Stafford continued.
All things Rams: Latest Los Angeles Rams news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
Why would a Kupp trade impact Stafford?
Kupp and Stafford are reportedly very close friends. Both players are very aware that the divisional round was likely their last game together. In fact, Kupp has been informed that the Rams plan on trading him.
However, Kupp’s impact is greater than just his quarterback’s morale. Their connection on the field is obviously incredible. It has to be for a pair to accomplish what they did in 2021 when Kupp won the NFL’s receiving triple crown – led the league in yards, receptions, and touchdowns – and nearly broke the all-time single-season receiving record. However, Stafford has been a significantly worse quarterback without Kupp during his time in Los Angeles.
Stafford has only played nine games without his star wideout since being traded, and in those games, he’s put up only seven touchdowns while throwing eight interceptions. For reference, Stafford played 16 games this year and threw eight interceptions total.
Will the Rams really trade Kupp?
It seems so, and it makes sense after Kupp endured an injury-riddled 2024 season. Furthermore, this was Kupp’s least productive season since Stafford joined the Rams. With the emergence of young wideout Puka Nacua, Kupp is not as dire a necessity for the Rams anymore, and his large contract could possibly be better spent elsewhere.
Of course, if trading Kupp means getting rid of Stafford as well, as Kelly Stafford implies, then the Rams may think twice. However, it seems unlikely that Stafford would go anywhere even if Kupp was sent away. Stafford is approaching his age-37 season and will hold a nearly $50 million cap hit in 2025.