Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp could be the next big name on the move at his position ahead of the 2024 NFL trade deadline.
The Athletic‘s Dianna Russini reported on Tuesday that the team is calling prospective trade partners about making a deal for the former Super Bowl MVP.
Russini added that the team wants a second-round pick in return and is willing to take on some of Kupp’s 2024 salary to make a trade happen.
As you can imagine, there will almost assuredly be real interest around the league for acquiring a player of Kupp’s caliber for a playoff push.
The Rams have called multiple teams about trading former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp sources tell @mikesilver, @jourdanrodrigue, and me.
The Rams have indicated a willingness to take on some of the ‘24 salary and are seeking a 2nd round pick.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 22, 2024
Let’s break down five teams that could absolutely make a deal for Kupp ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers suffered a brutal Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens at wide receiver. The team lost wide receiver Chris Godwin for what’s likely the rest of the season, and wide receiver Mike Evans aggravated a hamstring injury that could sideline him for a little while. For Tampa Bay to maintain its offensive momentum, adding a wide receiver via trade is almost required.
Kupp knows the Buccaneers’ offense since Tampa Bay’s Liam Cohen was his offensive coordinator in 2022 with Los Angeles. The Buccaneers may lose Godwin to free agency next spring, so having Kupp along for the ride past 2024 makes a lot of sense.
This move makes too much sense for the Bucs. They have to be the favorites.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs need wide receiver help badly, and Kupp would be the perfect solution for the team going ahead. The Rams wideout knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl, and he’d probably gel right away with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
While Kupp’s injury history might give Kansas City a little pause considering how snakebit they’ve been at the position, getting a player of Kupp’s caliber in general at this point in the season may balance that out.
The draft pick is probably an afterthought for the Chiefs compared to winning a third straight title.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh has to get Justin Herbert more help in the passing game. At 3-3, the team’s season is still in front of it. An AFC wild-card berth is not out of the question.
Trading for Kupp both gives Herbert the veteran presence in the passing game he sorely needs and lets the Rams make a deal with a team outside the NFC.
Plus, Kupp wouldn’t have to move in the middle of the season or change which stadium he plays in on Sundays for home games. It’s a win-win for both sides, with Herbert the biggest winner out of anyone involved.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Losing out on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk might be a blessing in disguise if Pittsburgh can land a player like Kupp.
The Steelers are 5-2, but the team desperately needs another wide receiver to compliment George Pickens. Kupp would fit right into what Pittsburgh likes to do offensively, and playing Russell Wilson at quarterback makes the Steelers more likely to pass the ball than they did under Justin Fields.
It’s not hard to imagine Pittsburgh sending a second-round pick Los Angeles’ way to make a Kupp deal happen.
New England Patriots
Do not sleep on the Patriots to be a contender for Kupp. The team has officially given the franchise over to quarterback Drake Maye. To maximize Maye’s rookie deal, getting in quality veterans will be paramount.
The Patriots offer the Rams the highest second-round pick ceiling of any other team on this list, too.
You might not consider New England in this particular scenario, but the team might be willing to invest in Kupp to aid Maye’s development. Having a true No. 1 receiver can only help the rookie quarterback as he plays his first NFL games. This isn’t the most likely scenario, but don’t rule it out.
