Who Should I Start? Cooper Kupp or Michael Pittman Jr.

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.

Friday, January 10, 12:10 PM

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) will not require surgery for the fractured back that he played through late in the 2024 season. "One tough dude. Example of what you want," Ballard said. It's a testament to Pittman's toughness that he missed just one game due to his back injury. But the 27-year-old's back issues and inconsistent play from the quarterback position in Indianapolis in 2024 led to Pittman posting only 808 receiving yards -- his fewest since his rookie season in 2020 -- to go with 69 receptions (also his lowest mark since 2020) and only three touchdowns in 16 games. Better health will give him a chance to rebound in 2025, but his overall upside might be dependent on quarterback Anthony Richardson's health and his ability to improve as a passer.