Two weeks ago, when the Los Angeles Rams were 1-4, the idea of trading Cooper Kupp felt like an appropriate topic of discussion. The 31-year old receiver likely doesn’t have very many years of his prime left, and sending him to a team that helps him compete for another chance at a Super Bowl ring only seemed fair.
Plus, if this season is sunk, why shouldn’t GM Les Snead see what type of future draft compensation he can get for an aging part of the roster? Earlier reports suggested Kupp was available, which led to a collection of teams expressing their interest. Now, we know who.
Related: Los Angeles Rams Actively Discussing Trade Involving All-Pro
Bills, Chiefs, and Steelers expressed interest in Cooper Kupp trade
By all appearances, the Rams no longer have any plans to trade Cooper Kupp ahead of the Nov. 5 NFL deadline. Yet, even the thought of the All-Pro receiver potentially becoming available spurred plenty of leaguewide interest.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, three teams reached out to the Rams regarding a potential Kupp trade. The teams were the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Before the Rams’ recent win, my colleague Michael Silver and I spoke to multiple league sources who have had discussions with the Rams about trading for the 31-year-old receiver. The Chiefs (before the Hopkins trade), Bills and Steelers are among the teams that have either called L.A. or that L.A. reached out to to discuss a trade scenario.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini on Cooper Kupp
The Rams toyed with paying a small chunk of Kupp’s salary to make a trade more palatable, but have informed most suitors that this is not an option. Just a reminder: Kupp is making $15 million this year, and he’s scheduled to make $20 million next year, of which $5 million is already guaranteed. So if a team wants him, it would need at least $9 million in cap room to absorb the contract (unless the Rams help). After a healthy Kupp looked like a reasonable version of himself Thursday night, count on this: If a team does talk to the Rams about trading for him, the price just went way up.”
After winning two in a row, to get back to a respectable 3-4 record, all expectations are that Kupp will not be dealt, at least not during this season.
With Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, and Kupp in the lineup, the Rams still believe they can be among the top contenders in the NFC. Now it’s just a matter of proving it, which will require good health too.
Related: Sean McVay Shuts Down Trade Rumors Regarding Cooper Kupp