One of the biggest moves the Los Angeles Rams are expected to make this offseason is trading former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp. The primary motivation behind this decision is his hefty contract, which would cost the Rams $29.78 million next season which is more than they are willing to pay for a player who has struggled with injuries over the past three years. Kupp, who will be 32 next season, is also coming off his least productive year since his second season in the NFL, finishing with just 710 receiving yards and failing to record a 100-yard game after mid-November.
The Rams could also see significant turnover at the wide receiver position, as Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, and Tyler Johnson are all pending free agents. If all three depart, Puka Nacua would be the only returning receiver with more than 23 receptions last season. While rookie Jordan Whittington showed promise with two 80+ yard games in his debut season, relying on a 2024 sixth-round pick to step into a starting role may be asking too much.
How can the Rams replace their receiving production
This raises the critical question: how will the Rams rebuild their wide receiver group? One potential answer is Miami’s Xavier Restrepo, one of the most productive slot receivers in college football over the past few seasons. Restrepo ended his collegiate career as Miami’s all-time leader in receptions (200), receiving yards (2,844), and touchdowns (21), surpassing legendary Hurricanes receivers like Michael Irvin, Andre Johnson, and Reggie Wayne.
Another record BROKEN by Xavier Restrepo 🙌
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) November 9, 2024
X is now Miami’s all-time leader in career receptions!#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/Aa5JnqcwM9
Restrepo’s skill set would be an excellent fit in Sean McVay’s offense, particularly in the role Kupp previously filled. He possesses a high football IQ, allowing him to execute the choice routes that McVay often schemes for his slot receivers. He also has strong, reliable hands, dropping just 4.3% of his targets throughout his five-year career at Miami, according to Pro Football Focus. Additionally, he excels at making contested catches, showing the concentration and toughness to secure the ball in traffic.
The Rams would also likely be able to get Restrepo with their first pick in the third round, the 90th overall selection. His draft stock may be limited due to his size (5-foot-10) and lack of elite speed, which could lead teams to see him as a slot-only option. However, these factors shouldn’t deter the Rams, as his skill set aligns perfectly with their offensive system.
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While Restrepo’s lack of ideal height and top-end speed may turn away some teams, the Rams should see him as a strong fit. He has the ability to contribute immediately as a rookie and could develop into a player with a career trajectory similar to the man he would be replacing in Los Angeles—Cooper Kupp.