Who Should I Start? Cooper Kupp or Deebo Samuel

Monday, January 20, 8:08 PM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp said on Monday that there is "no doubt" that he wants to continue playing in 2025. Kupp also said he "would love to be in L.A.," but acknowledged that he has no control over that. He has two years left on a contract extension that he signed in 2022 and will make $5 million guaranteed in 2025. Kupp was involved in trade rumors at the deadline in 2024. If the Rams were to cut him, they'd save $15 million in cash and $7.52 million against the salary cap. If they release him with a post-June 1 designation, they'll absorb $22.2 million in dead money. The 31-year-old veteran had the receiving Triple Crown in 2021 and was also named the Super Bowl MVP, but he had only 67 catches for 710 yards and six TDs in 12 regular-season games in 2024 -- he missed four games with an ankle injury. If he stays in LA, the presence of Puka Nacua will continue to limit his fantasy appeal, while he'll remain an injury risk.

Wednesday, January 8, 3:30 PM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday that the plan is to bring wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. back for the 2025 season. After signing receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to a hefty extension before the start of the 2024 season, it was assumed that the Niners would likely move on from Samuel heading into 2025 given his significant salary-cap hit. In addition to the decision regarding the future of Samuel, who missed the Week 18 regular-season finale due to rib and wrist injuries, the 49ers will also be navigating a long-term extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. If the Niners change their mind on the 28-year-old Samuel, he could be a trade candidate with one year left on his deal. In 15 games in 2024, he had 51 catches for 670 yards and only three touchdowns despite Aiyuk and running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) missing significant time with injuries.