Ever since Dianna Russini reported that the LA Rams were making Cooper Kupp available for trade, every fanbase got excited. Everyone wants their favorite team to land one of the top receivers in the NFL before the trade deadline passes. We will see if any team comes to an agreement, but it seems like the Rams could be turning a new page toward a rebuild.
According to Russini, Kupp could be had for a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Rams are willing to pay some of his remaining contract figures. That would lessen the cap hit on Kupp who will be on his current deal through the 2026 season. Having the Rams eat some of his cap hit could be significant value to most contending teams both now and into the future.
Pittsburgh has always preferred trying to land a legitimate upgrade at receiver. They would also like to have someone who can play for them on a long-term basis. Kupp is a top receiver in the NFL and is under contract control for a couple more years after this season concludes. He is also a great teammate to have on any team, which is something George Pickens needs next to him.
Cooper Kupp's odds of joining the Pittsburgh Steelers have shot up
Now that the Kansas City Chiefs have landed DeAndre Hopkins, the Steelers are the new betting favorites to land Kupp. That is not the end-all-be-all when it comes to a trade getting across the finish line, but normally it is more positive than negative.
One has to imagine these oddsmakers have some sort of inside information to build off of this. Kupp is someone who would fit the bill for what the black and gold have been targeting since this past offseason. He has the same star level as Brandon Aiyuk or Davante Adams. Both were trade targets of the Steelers in the past, but neither of them ended up in Pittsburgh.
Hope is still on the side of Steelers Nation that they can make some sort of splash to get them a better shot at making a playoff run of some sort. Kupp has been terrific when healthy, but the gamble of acquiring someone like Kupp will be surrounding his health. He has missed a ton of time due to injuries throughout his career, including missed time this season, which he should be back from soon.
Omar Khan is a busy man within the Steelers organization as the General manager tries to find ways to strengthen his football team before the trade deadline passes. He missed out on some quality receivers earlier, so he might be more anxious to pull off a deal now.
If the Steelers get Kupp it could be a terrific solution to their problems if he can find a way to stay healthy.