Why Cooper Kupp signed for the Los Angeles Rams in a Matthew Stafford shirt – Los Angeles Rams Blog

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Not long after Los Angeles Rams At the conclusion of the second day of the minicamp on Wednesday, offensive coordinator Liam Coen gestured into the team’s training facility.

He was asked how the midfielder Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp worked together this season, as Stafford was yet to throw when he returned from an elbow injury.

“They go there before seeing the movie together, after rehearsing the movie together, and I think the chemistry obviously goes a long way,” Coen said.

“And you can see that, the way they communicate on the pitch. Cooper has always been able to do that. He’s got that. He can see the game through the lens of a midfielder and now he’s in. had Matthew put it through his lens and experience and how he saw it, it really just happened. And it was really fun to watch.”

The connection was shown later when Kupp signed – while wearing a Stafford jersey! — one three-year, $80 million contract extensionwhich cements him with the Rams throughout the 2026 season. He is the latest to sign a new, joining contract. Stafford in March and tackle defense Aaron Donald above Monday. By renewing Kupp, the Rams tie his future to Stafford, giving them the opportunity to build on their Super Bowl season for years to come.

On his way to the championship last season, Kupp finished the regular season with 145 catches from 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. He led the league in all three categories – the recipient of three crowns – becoming only the fourth player since the 1970 merger to achieve the feat. Kupp also had two touchdowns in Super Bowl LVI and was named MVP.

Hours before Kupp signed a contract extension, Stafford was asked how he and Kupp could improve on what they had achieved a year ago.

“It’s been an unbelievable year,” Stafford said. “You can’t sit there and go, ‘Well, the only thing to do now is go 2,500 yards and I’ll throw in for 7,000.” That is not realistic. You go out there and try to find ways to improve that probably won’t go unnoticed by any of you. It’s like, ‘Cooper, where can we find a better way but maybe just the two of us, or you guys on our team, know we’re getting better. ‘

“His ownership and his understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish in every play is second to none and I just want to continue to collaborate with him, with Coach [Sean McVay]with everyone.”

While Stafford was quick to point out that the season would “feel different” if the Rams “didn’t go with the Lombardi” Trophy, it’s clear the pairing is crucial to the front office’s vision for the future. near the. The Rams have continued to do their best to try to be the first team since 2003 and ’04 New England Patriots repeat as Super Bowl champions.

Along with Donald’s contract rework and Stafford and Kupp’s renewals, the Rams have also signed a wide receiver Allen Robinson and linebacker Bobby Wagner in free agent. It’s not cheap either. The Rams have secured Stafford $130 million, which is the fifth-highest figure among quarterbacks. They brought in Donald $31.7 million a year, the highest number of any non-midfielder. And Kupp was guaranteed $75 million, which is the highest number among broad recipients.

On Tuesday, Kupp reiterated that he’s not looking to re-establish the receiver market broadly, but get a contract “that’s great for the team.” [and] something great for me and my family. “

Just a day later, the Rams did just that, going on to secure the core they hope to find the Lombardi trophy in Arizona in February.