The NFL is heading toward the November 5 trade deadline, and there are already a number of notable trades that have happened across the league. Specifically, there has been notable movement at the wide receiver position, with both Davante Adams and Amari Cooper being traded to new clubs. Could Cooper Cobb soon get into this game of musical chairs?
NFL Media reported over the weekend that teams began contacting the Los Angeles Rams about Kupp’s availability before the deadline. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, The Athletic reported that the Rams have now made calls to potential trade partners to work out a deal that includes Cobb, and have even indicated a willingness to take on some of his salary for 2024. This latest report also indicates that Los Angeles is seeking a first-round pick The second for a cup.
The financial component of the Kupp trade would be a major hurdle. This season, he has a base salary of $15 million and a salary cap charge of $29.7 million. Meanwhile, he has a $7.5 million bonus, with $5 million fully guaranteed. Cobb, who is signed through 2026, is also due roughly $20 million in each of the remaining years of his deal.
Although it may take some financial maneuvering for a team to sign Cobb, he is an exciting talent when healthy. The 31-year-old is a former Super Bowl MVP and former Offensive Player of the Year when he captured the Triple Crown in 2021. This season, Cobb was recently sidelined with a sprained ankle but is scheduled to participate. He returns in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night, which will provide plenty of time to showcase his ability to potential trade partners.
If the Rams decide to trade Cobb, here are some logical destinations for the star pass catcher.
The Chiefs have been hit hard by injuries at the wide receiver position this season, losing both Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice for the year. While that hasn’t stopped the defending champions from jumping out to a 6-0 record through the first seven weeks, it’s clear to watch the offense needs another option for Patrick Mahomes, especially with things heating up down the stretch and in the playoffs. Kupp has already shown the ability to step up and play at an elite level in those high-pressure playoff moments, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him and Mahomes establish a quick relationship if he ends up stepping into Arrowhead Stadium.
Of course, this will require some gymnastics, as Spotrac has the Chiefs with roughly $3.64 million in available cap space right now, which ranks 27th in the NFL.
One advantage here is that Kupp doesn’t need to worry about moving. Although it may be difficult to replace the former Super Bowl MVP with their roommate at SoFi Stadium, the Chargers make sense for Kupp. The club is in the hunt in the AFC wild-card race but has a clear need for Justin Herbert. This season, the Chargers rank 24th in the NFL in yards per game (183.7). Some of that has to do with Jim Harbaugh’s affinity for a ground-and-pound style of attack, but the passing game will certainly see an uptick with Kupp in the fold.
The Steelers have been one of the surprise teams in the AFC this season, winning five of their first seven games and tying a record with the Baltimore Ravens for first place in the division. Pittsburgh has been searching for a wide receiver to add to its room for months, dating back to its failed pursuit of both Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams. Since they have yet to get a pass, one would think they would still be in this market. Since the Steelers have shifted the offense to Russell Wilson at quarterback, they are expected to pass a bit more, which only increases the need for additional receivers like Kupp to pair with George Pickens.
