From the moment Kupp himself announced that the Rams were trying to trade him, it seemed like an impossibility. No one would be taking on his $20 million compensation package, and Kupp had no reason to take less to facilitate a deal.

From his late high school through college years, Kupp got to be a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. It was a coup. Because of the superstardom of Peyton and Eli Manning, their academy has become the nation’s premier offensive football skills camp in the country for young players.

The NFL league year kicked off Wednesday with two former Super Bowl MVPs hitting the open market. The Los Angeles Rams cut receiver Cooper Kupp just days after signing Davante Adams to be his replacement and the New York Jets released quarterback Aaron Rodgers following a failed two-year stint.