Cooper Kupp has officially hit the trade block as the LA Rams search for a dance partner. The aging veteran has routinely struggled with injuries throughout his professional career. Kupp's high cap number has created awkward tension for him and the Rams. They will try to find a landing spot for him over the coming weeks as they try to offload his deal.
Naturally, much like past receivers who were available on the trade market, the Steelers are rumored to be interested. They reportedly called LA about potentially acquiring Kupp before the deadline, but the Rams declined. Now that he is available on the market, it would make sense for Pittsburgh to dip their toes back into trade talks.
Adding Kupp shouldn't cost an arm and a leg for an injury-prone veteran who isn't getting any younger. I've outlined three trade scenarios for the Steelers and Rams that would make sense.
Steelers could offer an Amari Cooper-level return in a potential trade
Looking back at previous moves, Kupp could provide a similar value as Amari Cooper when he was dealt from Dallas to Cleveland in 2022. In that move, the Browns gave up their fifth-round pick and swapped sixth-round selections that year. Cooper was a better talent at the time than what Kupp would probably provide to a new club.
Salary retention will be a factor in how much the Rams get in a trade. If they are willing to retain some of his contract, then the Steelers would be wise to remain interested. They don't have to give up much in the upcoming draft. They lose their fourth-round pick and exchange late-round selections, but this crop of receiver prospects isn't rich with talent.
It might be the most realistic mock trade, as it provides salary retention, and Kupp isn't overpriced.
Steelers make bold decision to swap receivers with Los Angeles
Omar Khan would get Steelers fans talking if this trade proposal happened. Sending out a young star receiver for an aging veteran would be bold. Kupp remains a quality starter in the league, but George Pickens is a difference-maker. If they decided to move on from the young player, it would show they had enough of his antics.
On the bright side, they wouldn't have to gamble on extending Pickens with a hefty deal. They move on with a big name in Kupp. Paying an aging receiver might be just as risky as Pickens's current situation. The Steelers do add a third-round pick in this potential move. Pittsburgh's only weapon on offense is much better value on the field than Kupp at their current construction.
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It's so wild, it just might work for Steelers to acquire star players
Let's get a little wild here.
Pittsburgh still needs a quarterback, and in an ideal world, they wouldn't have to settle on Russell Wilson or Justin Fields as the starter next season. It is too bad that they are stuck between those two. Neither will be more than bridge starters unless Fields makes a miraculous turnaround in his career. This mock trade would send a ton of cap implications to the Steelers, but it could solve their offensive woes.
Matthew Stafford and Kupp have proven chemistry on the field. They might not be a perfect fit into Arthur Smith's scheme, but they would provide a new element to the offense. Giving up two draft picks over the next two years would be bold. If the Steelers truly believe they are a piece or two away from a Super Bowl contention, then they should swing for the fences.