It was announced earlier this week that the Rams were looking to trade away star receiver Cooper Kupp. Given his age and injury history, Los Angeles looks ready to move on despite the veteran still having some gas in the tank. Steelers nation is in an uproar as many fans want the team to pounce on this opportunity.
I, for one, find myself mostly against such a move.
Mike DeFabo at the Athletic seems to have a fair comp for the trade. He recently wrote that a fourth-round pick would likely do the trick for Kupp, a small asking price considering his history as a top receiver.
While I remain skeptical of the move, giving up only a fourth-round pick is palatable. That said, I don’t think having Kupp and George Pickens on the same offense works well. This is especially the case with a more run-centric offense and questionable quarterback play.
Kupp thrives with a lot of targets (and earns those targets by knowing how to get open). For a passing game that will likely emulate last year's attack, there may not be enough throws to make everyone happy.
The only reason the Steelers should trade for Cooper Kupp
The reality of the situation is that we can’t say for certain that Pickens will be around next year. His childish antics undermine his impressive play, and giving him a massive new deal is a major risk. If Pittsburgh determines that the risk isn’t worth the reward, the best option will be to trade him.
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Now the Kupp move makes some more sense. You get a guy that can be your target hog and produce in the middle and short game. Whoever is the quarterback will quickly become acquainted with Kupp due to his ability to get open. You could, and should, use a top pick on a receiver to compliment him as well.
That would likely net you draft value (Pickens should garner more than a fourth-round pick), and Kupp would provide you with some short-term stability at the position. Personally, I’d still look for a free agent option or Davante Adams if he is cut as you don’t have to sacrifice the draft pick, but if the plan is to move Pickens you need a viable veteran to replace him.
At that cost, and assuming Pickens is dealt, a Kupp trade to the Steelers is suddenly much more likely. His age is a concern as are his mounting injuries, but if the right situation were to open up, adding Kupp at that price point would be fair.