PHOTO USA Today Sports Images. Cooper Kupp catches a touchdown for the Los Angeles Rams. It sure sounds like the Los Angeles Rams are open to trading superstar wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
The Rams, who famously touted the “F Them Picks” moniker, appear to be open for business, and one of the best wide receivers in the NFL could be moved ahead of November 5th’s trade deadline.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports that the Rams have fielded several calls, and they’d even be willing to take on Kupp’s remaining salary if it meant receiving a second-round draft pick.
Kupp has only started two games for the Rams this season due to a sprained ankle. However, according to several reports, he’s ready to make his return to action on Thursday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings, a team that is said to be interested in trading for his services.
Here are a few other landing spots that could make sense:
Kansas City Chiefs
Jan 8, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts after the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. credits: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports The Chiefs remain the NFL’s lone undefeated team, but despite that record, quarterback Patrick Mahomes hasn’t played to his standards so far this season, and the offense just doesn’t look right.
We all know the Chiefs are on this eternal conquest for their third consecutive Super Bowl victory. Does adding one of the best receivers in football show how serious they are about that?
Kansas City lost wide receiver Rashee Rice to a season-ending knee injury, and adding Kupp could signal to that entire offense that it’s time to wake up.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mar 25, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks to media during the NFL annual league meetings at the JW Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports Here’s another team that will certainly be calling for Kupp’s services. Remember, they were just involved in the Brandon Aiyuk trade conversations a few short months ago before he ultimately decided to stay with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Steelers are one of the NFL’s biggest surprises this season at 5-2. Mike Tomlin knows how to create and harness a culture, regardless of who is starting at quarterback. Is there a receiver in the game that fits that culture quite like Kupp?
If the Steelers want to get serious in the AFC playoff mix, adding Kupp is certainly a way to put the league on notice.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oct 21, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) is carted off the field against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images On Monday Night Football, the Buccaneers lost both Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle). Godwin’s injury is season-ending, and he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
The Buccaneers are the Steelers of the NFC, as they’ve surprised some folks with their 4-2 start. At times, Baker Mayfield has looked the part of an MVP candidate. The Buccaneers have plenty of options to replace Godwin, but adding Kupp would keep them in the playoff mix in a very weak NFC South.
Before you Google it. No. Kupp did not play in that magical December 2022 victory where Mayfield led the Rams to victory without even knowing the playbook.
