When the Rams released Cooper Kupp, it was the end of an era. Kupp was the heart of Los Angeles’ passing game for years. With a résumé that includes a Super Bowl MVP, the 2021 receiving triple crown, and countless clutch moments, Kupp had become the engine that powered the Rams’ aerial attack. But now, for the first time since 2017, the Rams are officially turning the page on one of the most productive receivers in league history. Head coach Sean McVay admitted that while releasing Kupp was something the team needed to do, it wasn’t an easy decision to make, and described it as “very challenging.” 

While replacing Kupp remains a challenge, it had become a necessity. Age, two straight seasons derailed due to injuries, and salary cap constraints ultimately led to the difficult decision to part ways with the veteran star, who later signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Recognizing the need to retool their offense and support young quarterback talent, the Rams prioritized revamping their wide receiver group through the 2025 NFL Draft and offseason acquisitions, ushering in a new chapter for the team’s attack. In the draft, the Rams picked Konata Mumpfield in the seventh round, and they still have Puka Nacua in their ranks. But after Davante Adams said that he is on his “last days in this league,” the Rams had to move quickly.

On Monday, they did exactly that. They signed former Eagles return man and wide receiver Britain Covey to a one-year deal. A former Utah wide receiver and kick returner, Covey spent three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and led the NFL in punt return yards in 2023. He was also part of the Eagles team that won Super Bowl LIX.

He’s electric in space, reliable under pressure, and precisely the kind of versatile piece Sean McVay loves to use in multiple roles. At 5-foot-8, 173 pounds, Covey won’t replace Kupp’s presence, but he’s not supposed to. Moreover, what Covey does give the Rams is immediate impact on special teams and sneaky depth in the slot.

In Philadelphia, the bulk of his role was on special teams, where he served as a punt and kickoff returner. Though he occasionally lined up at receiver, he finished his three-year stretch with just 11 catches for 76 yards. Between 2022 and 2024, Britain tallied 1,007 return yards on 68 punts and 11 kickoffs. His peak came in 2023, when he totaled 417 punt return yards on 29 attempts, averaging 14.4 yards per return with a long of 54.

Wide receiver Xavier Smith served as the Rams’ main punt returner last season, fielding 16 punts for 149 yards. As a team, Los Angeles returned only 18 punts, the fewest in the NFL, and their total of 161 punt return yards ranked third-lowest in the league.

Covey got the burst. The short-area quickness. And if he’s healthy, unlike last year’s shoulder and neck injuries that limited him to five games, he’s going to be a problem for punt units all year. So, it’s a functional signing. Covey’s role is clear: change field position, extend drives, and quietly keep the offense moving.

Don’t expect Covey to take over Nacua’s targets. That’s not the plan. But it shouldn’t be a surprise when he shows up on third downs or flips field position with a 47-yard return in the second quarter.

Does Sean McVay and the Rams know Davante Adams’ retiring?

Now, there’s another thing that might have forced Sean McVay and the Rams to fidget with an option like Britain Covey. Davante Adams’ potential last ride. Let’s rewind to January. Davante Adams popped up on Up & Adams and casually dropped a line that got stuck with everyone: “I’m not playing too much longer as it is,” he said. “On my last days in this league… I will not be going to Chicago.” Wait—last days? Since that retirement siren, the league has been wary.

Fast forward to March. The Jets let him go. The Rams picked him up. Seemed like a clean fit for a win-now team. But here’s the catch—Adams has been doing more off the field than on it. Like literally stepping into community roles with more conviction than some rookies show on tape. He visited the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula in Menlo Park.

His words afterward weren’t just lip service, either. “You don’t have to be privileged with anything special—just a start and a fresh slate,” he said. That’s not your usual offseason soundbite. That’s legacy talk.

Then came the confirmation. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport dropped the bomb via Adams’ agent Frank Bauer: “He is where he wanted to finish out his great career.” That’s it. No cryptic tweets. No farewell video yet. Just a clean, old-school confirmation that L.A. is the final ride.

If you’re Sean McVay, you’ve got to know this isn’t a long-term investment. Adams isn’t building a new era. He’s giving us a season, maybe. And if that. It was about leaving right, giving back, and walking out on his terms.