The Pittsburgh Steelers have been desperate for help at wide receiver ever since General Manager Omar Khan decided to part ways with Diontae Johnson during the 2024 offseason. The trade has been beneficial for the Steelers as the team got Donte Jackson in return, but the hole at wide receiver is undeniable. Khan has been in pursuit of some of the top names at receiver across the league, but he has continued to strike out. Now, it is confirmed that he has been in talks with the Los Angeles Rams about one of their exciting receivers.
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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp walks off the field after a professional football game.
The Rams are in a weird spot. They have a ton of talent on their roster to go with a great coaching staff, but they have been plagued by injuries ever since winning Super Bowl LVI at the end of 2021 season. They are teetering on the edge of a rebuild, which could mean moving on from some of their beloved franchise players.
NFL insider Dianni Russini wrote an article for The Athletic on Saturday morning, where she confirmed that the Rams and the Steelers have talked about a deal for star wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
"I spoke to multiple league sources who have had discussions with the Rams about trading for the 31-year-old receiver." Russini wrote. "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."
Russini originally reported that the Rams would be open to dealing the veteran receiver after Week 7. Kupp had been hurt for the majority of the year, and his contract eats up a decent chunk of the salary cap. It's completely understandable why the organization may want to move on from him. However, it is important to realize how important he is to the Rams. He was the Super Bowl MVP just three seasons ago, and he is a big reason for the success of Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles.
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Cooper Kupp during a game with the Los Angeles Rams.
The news of Kupp being available was reported before the Rams beat the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football in Week 8. The Rams found themselves sitting at 1-4 at one point, but they have won two straight and currently sit at third in a wide open division. Kupp wasn't the most productive receiver on the team, but the trust Stafford has in the veteran was clearly on display.
Kupp recorded a touchdown and over 50 receiving yards on five catches. When healthy, he is one of the best wide receivers in the league, and the Rams could be a dangerous team if they find a way to sneak into the postseason. Currently, and surprisingly, the NFC West looks like one of the worst divisions in the league.
The San Francisco 49ers are decimated by injuries, the Arizona Cardinals are young and have clear weak points, and the Seattle Seahawks are inconsistent. If the Rams want to win the division and make a run in the playoffs, the opportunity will be there.
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Rams' Sean McVay talks to Cooper Kupp as he comes off of the field.
Steelers Need To Convince The Rams To Become Sellers At Deadline
Kupp is an important member of the Rams, but in the game on Thursday night it was quite obvious that Puka Nacua was the team's go-to receiver. The trade deadline is on November 5th, which is during Pittsburgh's bye week. Los Angeles will take on Seattle on November 3rd, and if the Seahawks can win that game they will take a two game lead in the NFC West. Things would also look worse for the Rams if both or either of the 49ers and Cardinals can win a couple of games.
There is plenty of time for the Rams to decide to unload some talent at the trade deadline, and a lot can unfold before November 5th. However, Kupp's trade price has certainly gone up after his role in the Rams' Week 8 victory.
What do you think about Russini's report? Let us know in the comments below!
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