The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the market for a receiver, and while the names that have been thrown around most often are DeAndre Hopkins and Mike Williams, there could be a more interesting name on the market. Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Los Angeles Rams have called on “multiple teams” in an attempt to trade WR Cooper Kupp. Rossini added that the Rams are willing to take on some of Cobb’s remaining 2024 salary and want a second-round pick in return.
The Rams have contacted multiple teams about trading former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp @MikeSilver, @jourdanrodrigueAnd I.
The Rams are willing to take part of the 24-year-old’s salary and are seeking a second-round pick.
– Diana Rossini (@DMRussini) October 22, 2024
Rossini also brought up the idea of the Rams trading Cobb on her Scoop City radio show earlier today, and said there are teams “toying” with the idea of making a move for him.
“I think the Rams are definitely getting an invitation to the Cooper Cup. I think there’s a GM…there’s definitely some teams that are playing around with that, and the Rams are open to that,” Russini said.
She also mentioned the possibility on The Dan LeBatard Show when asked directly about the Chiefs possibly trading for Kupp, though Russini said she didn’t think the Chiefs had the money to make a deal work, even with Los Angeles receiving some of Kupp’s salary. . It seems to hint that Los Angeles is willing to take on a significant portion of what’s left on Cobb’s contract.
“If the Rams are willing to take the salary that I’ve heard they’re willing to do, they’re definitely open to trading Cooper Kupp, so we’ll see if they can get a deal done,” she said. .
Could the Chiefs trade for Cooper Kupp?
“If the Rams are willing to take the salary that I’ve heard they’re willing to take, they’re definitely open to trading Cooper Kupp, so we’ll see if they can get a deal done.” @DMRussini At the next trade deadline.
He watches:… pic.twitter.com/s8aSSl1Hld
– The Dan Le Batard Show with Stogotz (@LeBatardShow) October 22, 2024
The Steelers haven’t been shy about pursuing a big-name receiver. They made an effort to acquire WR Brandon Aiyuk this offseason and WR Davante Adams before he was traded to the New York Jets.
There is a risk in making a move for Cobb. He has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons, and is signed through 2026, though he does not have guaranteed money on his contract beyond next season. He has missed four games this season after suffering an ankle injury in Week 2, but had a solid performance in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions with 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown.
Kupp was the 2021 Super Bowl LVI MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year when he totaled 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. During his career, he had 585 receptions for 7,213 yards and 52 touchdowns. However, he has only played 23 matches since that season as he suffered from various injuries.
With the Rams at 2-4, they may look to add some draft capital and move on from a player they have been without for most of the season. The Steelers would likely be interested in Kupp given their interest as well as the receiving room, and when he’s healthy, he’s one of the best players in the game. He’s been positioned as a good option under Pittsburgh, and along with George Pickens would make a great tandem with a 1-2 offer for Russell Wilson as the Steelers look to make a playoff push.
Given the money left in Cobb’s deal, a second-round pick may be a tough pill to swallow for the Steelers to give up. But given that the Rams are willing to take on some of that money, it seems as though there could be some real motivation on their part to move him. He would be a big plus for the Steelers if they can pull that off and add him to the list of names to watch over the next two weeks before the November 5 trade deadline.
