Imagine being released by the team you helped win a Super Bowl, only to come back and knock them out of playoff contention. That’s exactly what happened to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and he couldn’t have scripted it better himself. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was letting Kupp go the right move for the Rams, or did they let a valuable asset slip through their fingers? Let’s dive in.
Following the Seahawks’ thrilling 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game, Kupp took to social media with a bold declaration: 'IT WAS WRITTEN.' The post seemed to capture the sweet satisfaction of defeating his former team, who had released him just last March. On the field, Kupp’s performance wasn’t flashy—four catches for 36 yards—but it was his 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter that proved to be the game-changer. A Hollywood moment, if there ever was one.
The Rams’ decision to part ways with Kupp wasn’t entirely surprising. After all, his production had been on a downward trend, with 18 missed games between 2022 and 2024. The rise of Puka Nacua and the addition of Davante Adams—who led the NFL with 14 touchdown receptions this season—made Kupp’s departure seem like a logical business move. And this is the part most people miss: While Adams’ 789 receiving yards were impressive, Kupp’s experience and clutch ability might have been harder to replace than the Rams anticipated.
From the Rams’ perspective, the move made sense. General manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay likely feel validated by Adams’ performance. But for Kupp, the narrative is richer. At 32, he’s no longer the dominant aerial threat he once was—his 47 catches and 593 yards this season were among the lowest of his career—but he’s found a role as a reliable secondary target for Seattle. Beating the Rams en route to a potential Super Bowl berth? That’s the kind of story players dream of.
Kupp already has a ring from the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory over the Bengals, where he was named MVP. But winning another title with the Seahawks, after being released by LA, would add a layer of sweetness to his legacy. Here’s the thought-provoking question: Does Kupp’s success with Seattle prove the Rams made a mistake, or was it simply a case of both teams finding the right fit? Let us know what you think in the comments!
