Since reports of a potential Kuiper Kupp trades started popping up, the Rams have won two games and are now one game out of the NFC West lead. As such, they are less likely to be sellers.

The team saw Kupp and Puka NacuaThe team’s return to action will make a significant difference against the Vikings on Thursday night. The duo combined for 12 receptions, 157 yards and a touchdown in Week 8. Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes, providing a glimmer of hope during an injury-plagued season in Los Angeles.

Days after a report suggested the Rams were calling teams on Kupp, Sean McVay didn’t sound too eager to break up this WR duo. The eighth-year Rams HC said after the game that he expects Kupp to remain with the team, although McVay did confirm (via Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic) that teams have made calls. The 31-year-old Kupp remains signed through the 2026 season — on the three-year, $80.1 million deal he signed months after his Super Bowl LVI MVP effort — and has an injury history that could prompt teams to to enter into that contract.

Kupp is also owed a $5 million guarantee in 2025. While the Rams have been willing to pick up a portion of the former All-Pro’s remaining salary for 2024 — approximately $8 million — an acquisition team would be responsible for that $5 million payment next year. Kupp is committed to a base salary of $12.5 million and $14.85 million — the latter amount not guaranteed — in 2025 and ’26. The two future salaries would be less daunting than Kupp’s 2024 money and the fact that he has missed 17 games since Super Bowl LVI.

The Rams have also let teams know they want a trade flight beyond what the Jets went for Davante Adams. New York agreed to pick up all of Adams’ remaining salary for 2024 and sent Las Vegas a conditional third-round pick. The Chiefs discussed Kupp with the Rams before agreeing to the acquisition DeAndre Hopkins of the Titans. Given the Rams’ form with Kupp and Nacua back in the fold, trading the older member of the tandem for a modest return would be a tough sell. However, keeping Kupp also comes with risks as he struggles to stay healthy.

Thursday’s win also came with the Rams missing two offensive line starters. They almost certainly won’t pull the trigger on a seller’s trade until after their Week 9 Seahawks matchup, as the prospect looms of Steve Avila and free addition of agency Jonah Jackson return. Both are eligible to be activated from IR.