Changing of the Guard: Life Without Cooper Kupp Begins for the Rams
For nearly a decade, no offensive player defined the Sean McVay era of Los Angeles Rams football more than Cooper Kupp. While Aaron Donald might have been the soul of the defense and the heartbeat of the franchise, McVay’s system simply didn’t function without Kupp’s precise route-running, selfless blocking, and football IQ. Together, they helped transform the Rams into Super Bowl champions and perennial contenders. Now, that era is officially over. Earlier this offseason, the Rams released Kupp — a franchise icon and Super Bowl MVP — despite having multiple years left on his contract. It was a difficult but symbolic decision that marked a clear transition toward a younger, retooled wide receiver corps, headlined by breakout star Puka Nacua. Even as Nacua steps confidently into the spotlight, he still carries the mark of Kupp’s mentorship — and the emotional weight of his departure.
“This time last year, I was asking Coop all the questions,” Nacua said following a recent OTA session. “Now I’m the one being asked. It’s definitely different.” The second-year receiver took the league by storm in 2024, breaking rookie records and becoming a focal point of McVay’s offense. With Kupp now in Seattle and only Tutu Atwell remaining from the previous WR group, Nacua suddenly finds himself as the most experienced and productive member of a revamped room — and he's embracing the leadership role with humility. “There are moments where I’m like, ‘Wait, you’re asking me?’” Nacua laughed. “I still feel like I have a million things to learn.”
To ease the transition, the Rams made a splash in free agency by signing five-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams. The veteran brings not only elite skill but a fresh perspective, one from which Nacua says the entire room benefits. “Davante’s been a great leader,” Nacua said. “Just the way he sees the game, it’s different. I’m picking up something new every day.” Head coach Sean McVay echoed that sentiment, praising Adams for diving into the playbook while mentoring younger players. “He’s learning fast and already contributing a ton in meetings,” McVay said. “That presence goes a long way.”
Alongside Nacua, Adams, and Atwell, rookies Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield are getting early praise in OTAs. While still acclimating to NFL speed and conditioning, receivers coach Eric Yarber noted the rookies arrived "behind physically" due to the pre-draft process but their potential is undeniable. The Rams led the NFL in receiving yards and targets last year, despite injuries to both Kupp and Nacua. That production gives the new-look group confidence heading into 2025. Nacua, for his part, isn’t trying to be someone he’s not. “I don’t think my role has changed,” he said. “It’s just more about being myself and stepping into what the team needs.”
Kupp’s departure might have ended an era, but it didn’t erase his impact on the Rams or Puka Nacua. Despite competing for the same role last year, Kupp selflessly mentored Nacua, who still credits much of his early success to the veteran’s guidance. Now, the torch has been passed. The Rams’ future at wide receiver may look different, but it’s in steady hands. With Nacua embracing leadership, Adams providing experience, and fresh talent rising, the wide receiver room has turned the page — not without emotion, but with purpose. As Nacua put it: “It’s been a great moment for me to learn and grow. Coop’s shoes are big ones to fill, but we’re building something special here.”
