In what was an expected decision, the Los Angeles Rams told veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp that they intended to trade him this offseason, something Kupp did not take well.
It’s never easy to part with a franchise great like Kupp, but it does make sense for the Rams to do so. After all, Kupp battled injuries over the past three seasons and that doesn’t figure to get any better with the former Super Bowl MVP set to turn 32.
Making the decision easier, Kupp is going to account for a $29.7 million cap hit in 2025. Trading Kupp pre-June 1 will save the Rams $12.5 million, while a post-June 1 cut saves $20 million.
Because of his contract, the Rams might have a difficult time trading Kupp, but they are going to try their hardest in order to make sure he doesn’t leave for nothing.
With that in mind, Bleacher Report’s Zach Bachar believes the Pittsburgh Steelers may be players for Kupp on the trade market. Here’s what he said about that:
The Steelers made a second consecutive playoff appearance last season, but they’ll be looking to make upgrades to an offense that wasn’t exactly high-powered.
Pittsburgh owned the sixth-worst passing attack among all teams in 2024. No Steelers player was able to reach 1,000 receiving yards, while George Pickens was the team’s only wide receiver to surpass 600 yards. He finished with 900 yards in 14 games.
If Pittsburgh is looking for a more consistent option next to Pickens, Kupp may be a candidate.
The Steelers’ search for a wide receiver upgrade dates back to last offseason, when the team traded away the oft-disgruntled Diontae Johnson. All general manager Omar Khan could come away with was Mike Williams, who did not pan out.
Assuming he can stay healthy, Kupp would be an instant upgrade given the lack of talent in the Steelers’ wide receivers room. He would offer a much-needed No. 2 option next to George Pickens and could be a multi-year solution, as Kupp is currently signed through 2026.
All that said, the Steelers will not be keen on trading draft capital and taking on Kupp’s contract. Either Kupp will have to rework his deal, or Los Angeles must pick up some money to get the deal done.
Given all the concerns about Kupp, there’s a good chance his trade market won’t be strong and the Rams may have to end up releasing him. If that happens, the chances of the Steelers landing Kupp will significantly increase.
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