The Pittsburgh Steelers had their best offensive performance in recent memory during their Week 7 victory over the New York Jets. The group got off to a slow start, but eventually, everything began to click. The passing game was efficient, the running game was explosive, and the play-action schemes worked to free guys up. It's important to note that it was just one game, and Pittsburgh still needs some help on the offensive side of the ball (mainly at wide receiver).
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Steelers' Russell Wilson and George Pickens celebrate after connecting on a touchdown in 2024.
Now that Russell Wilson is the likely starting quarterback in Pittsburgh moving forward, it is even more important for the Steelers to find themselves an upgrade at receiver behind George Pickens. General Manager Omar Khan has been trying to make a splash at the position since the 2024 offseason. He swung big on Brandon Aiyuk and missed, and he was also in lengthy talks with the Las Vegas Raiders about landing Davante Adams.
Well respected NFL insider, Dianna Russini recently spoke about the trade deadline on her podcast Scoop City, and she shared an interesting name that may be available.
"I do think Cooper Kupp is on the trade block," Russini said. "I think the Rams are definitely taking calls on Cooper Kupp. I think there's GMs and definitely some teams toying with that and the Rams are open to it. So we'll see if they'll be able to make a deal there."
It is important to note that Russini didn't name any teams that have already contacted the Rams, but Khan has been involved in conversations whenever a big-name wide receiver becomes available. He clearly wants to make a splash in that realm, and landing a guy like Kupp would be a great way to do that. Pittsburgh had been linked to Kupp recently, but now it is known that the Rams are open to moving the veteran.
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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp walks off the field after a professional football game.
Kupp has been one of the best wide receivers in the league over the last five years, especially while healthy. Kupp won the triple crown during the 2021 season, as he led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He reset the franchise records for the Los Angeles Rams, but now the organization could be looking to part ways with the veteran receiver.
A big issue with Kupp throughout his career has been injuries. He hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2, but he is expected to be able to make his return to the field in the coming weeks, as he recently returned to practice. The Rams have an older team, and they might be thinking about a possible rebuild. This could include moving Kupp for some draft picks.
Kupp would complement Pickens well, mainly due to his reputation of being a technician with his route running. This would certainly attract some defensive attention, which could lead to Pickens finding more open space.
Steelers Have Done Wide Receiver Business With The Rams Before
Pittsburgh and Los Angeles made a trade not too long ago. Ahead of the 2023 season, the Rams dealt Allen Robinson II to Pittsburgh, as a part of a swap of seventh round draft selections. Obviously, the skill gap between Robinson and Kupp is fairly large, so the draft compensation in a potential deal may look different. The most intriguing part of the deal was the fact that the Rams took on some of the veteran's salary, which hopefully could happen again.
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Former Steelers receiver Allen Robinson II.
Kupp has a cap hit of over $27 million in 2025 and 2026, and his cap hit for the 2024 season is $29.7 million. Some of that cap hit has already been paid due to the season being almost halfway over, but if the Rams can take on more of that salary to move Kupp, a move like this should be a no-brainer for the Steelers.
Would you want the Steelers to land a receiver like Kupp? Let us know in the comments below!
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