With bottom-dwelling teams looking to unload players for draft capital before the NFL trade deadline, we've already seen an array of moves -- particularly at the wide receiver position. The Jets were the winners of the Davante Adams sweepstakes while the Browns traded Amari Cooper to the Bills. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been anxiously waiting for a cut of the action.
On October 23, ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that the Titans have traded DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs for a conditional fifth-round pick (that could turn into a fourth-rounder). Hopkins doesn't appear to have a lot left in the tank, but his new landing spot creates a perfect situation for the Steelers.
Prior to trading for Hopkins, the Chiefs were the odds-on favorite to trade for Rams WR Cooper Kupp. Surprisingly, Pittsburgh was second in line. Now they have a great chance to land a wide receiver who could move the needle.
Cooper Kupp would be a match made in heaven for Steelers
Kupp only played two games before suffering an injury, but in those games, before he was injured, he recorded 18 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown. That's more receptions than any wide receiver on the Steelers not named George Pickens (and Kupp hasn't played since Week 2).
With teams like the Bills, Chiefs, and Jets already landing a wide receiver via trade, the Steelers are one of the biggest competitors still in the running to make a move to improve the position. Trailing Pittsburgh in odds to land Kupp were teams like the Giants, Patriots, Titans, and Colts. None of these situations would be as enticing to a 31-year-old wide receiver looking to compete.
While his All-Pro days are likely behind him, Kupp was once the most productive wide receiver in the league. In 2021, the well-rounded receiver led the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns en route to First-Team All-Pro honors and the AP Offensive Player of the Year award.
These days, Kupp still has an excellent skill set thanks to outstanding route-running, terrific ability to create yards after the catch, and remarkable toughness over the middle of the field. The biggest factor to consider is his lengthy injury history. Kupp hasn't played more than 12 games in a season since his phenomenal 2021 campaign.
Regardless, this is a worthwhile gamble for a player who is still excellent when healthy. Though the Rams are seeking a second-round pick in return for his services, the Steelers may be able to get away with sending a 2025 third-rounder plus a future conditional Day 3 pick.
Kupp's skill set would be a perfect complement to George Pickens. Kupp can do the dirty work over the middle of the field and allow Pickens to cook defenders down the sidelines.
General manager Omar Khan will have to act fast. At the rate wide receivers are being traded, the veteran won't last long on the trade market. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a chance to boost their offense with a needle-moving wide receiver, and it's time to get aggressive.