The sudden availability of wide receiver Cooper Kupp opened the door for a range of possibilities, including the 31-year-old joining the New England Patriots.

Kupp’s expectation this offseason is to get traded from the Los Angeles Rams, with two years over $26 million annually remaining on his contract.

And even though Kupp is no longer in the prime form that helped the Rams during their Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals three years ago, the eight-year veteran will still garner interest.

The Patriots, coming off their second straight 4-13, last-place finish and the team’s third consecutive playoff miss, could be among those in the running for Kupp.

New England watched the ascendance of rookie quarterback Drake Maye take place and provided the franchise hope for the future, however, the 22-year-old will need some assistance moving forward. Kupp has also received some notable in-house endorsements.

New England wideout Kendrick Bourne has taken to social media multiple times this offseason as Kupp’s presumed Rams departure has unfolded.

Bourne, a former teammate of Kupp’s at Eastern Washington University, is fully invested in the idea of the Patriots pursuing the Super Bowl LVI MVP and 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year — which could be the first major Patriots offseason move finalized in years.

Kupp totaled 710 receiving yards, 67 receptions and six touchdowns in 12 appearances last season with the Rams.

In recent years, Kupp has dealt with numerous and ankle injuries and missed four games last season with a hamstring injury.

Still, with Bourne’s eagerness to welcome Kupp to Foxborough and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf in need of newcomers, the Patriots could take a flier.

New England fans still recovering from the nightmare that was this past season, offered some mixed reviews of the potential Kupp addition.

Here’s how those in NESN’s comments sections felt about the idea of New England’s front office going after Kupp this offseason:

— Tremendous: “He was a great player, but he’s lost a step and a half. The team needs to acquire and grow the next generation. It’s sad that he would be an upgrade.”

— Marathon James: “Last year the patriots lowered the age of their team. Since the pats have this much cap space I would use it more wisely than adding a 32 year old wr who absolutely played his greatest years with the rams. The pats will have their choices to pursue and hopefully they find someone in trades, free agency whatever that more fit the new mold of the team for a longer period of time.”

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp

Cooper Kupp Or Deebo Samuel? This Wideout Better Fit For Patriots
— Briguy60: “He isn’t even worth a 7th rounder because of the money they need to pay him. If he were a free agent there’s no way he’d get the money he’s making now with his injury history. I’m a huge fan of his but it’s too much money. My guess is no one is going to trade for him. He’ll either go back to the Rams or get cut after June 1st.”

— Nightmare: “If you can get Kupp for a fourth round pick, fine. But I would beware going after aging, “name” veterans who are past their prime and have an injury history.”

— KTQ: “Go get him. He’s a definite upgrade.”

— Cornwall Dragon: “Yo i would go into my own pocket to pay for Kupp AND Dugger’s air fare to make that trade happen.”

— B: “Nothing more than a 6th. Kupp has been injury prone.”