ESPN Insider: Steelers Direct Connection To Cooper Kupp After Mid-season Interest

The Pittsburgh Steelers are clearly in need of help at the wide receiver position. This was very obvious during the 2024 season when the Steelers relied way too much on the talents of star wide receiver George Pickens. With the rest of the receiving corps struggling to consistently step up, the Steelers' passing game became one-dimensional, putting undue pressure on Pickens to deliver week after week.

When it was reported that the Los Angeles Rams were openly shopping veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp, many assumed the Steelers would have interest. Kupp’s proven ability to dominate as a top-tier receiver would provide an immediate boost to a unit in dire need of a reliable number two option. His experience and skill set would complement Pickens perfectly, giving the Steelers offense a much-needed dimension.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler was on an episode of SportsCenter when he gave insight into the possible teams interested in Kupp. The very first team he mentioned was the Steelers. This subtle mention is likely a clear indicator of their current interest levels, signaling that Pittsburgh is actively exploring ways to improve its receiving corps and could be seriously considering making a trade with the Rams.

"And as far as early teams that people are sort of bantering about," Fowler started. "The Pittsburgh Steelers looked into Cooper Kupp at the trade deadline last season. They still have a need there."

Andrew Hawkins was the analyst on set when the host asked him to break down what Kupp has left in the tank. Given Kupp’s limited involvement with the Rams and the team’s decision to trade him, it was natural for questions about his future to arise. 

Despite these concerns, Hawkins remained confident in Kupp's abilities, insisting that any team able to secure a trade for him would be fortunate to add such a talented player to their roster.

"I think he has a lot left in the tank," Hawkins said. "The biggest question when you become that age is how you can stay healthy. There are concerns there, but as it pertains to on the field, please don’t take his production as an indictment on what he is as a wide receiver. He is very smart. He is a technician. He can make contested catches and do all the things that actually fit into any receiver core in the NFL."

The Steelers are clearly in need of help at the wide receiver position. They relied far too heavily on Pickens’ greatness, and it ultimately hurt them when it mattered most. While Calvin Austin III took a step up, and there’s still belief in Roman Wilson, his rookie year was far from inspiring, especially considering he only dressed for one game and didn’t see much action on the field. With so much uncertainty surrounding the receiver room, it’s clear the Steelers can’t rely on this group in 2025.

Steelers Expected To Have Strong Interest In Rams' Cooper Kupp

Given the situation, the Steelers are expected to have interest in a trade with the Rams for Kupp. The Rams seem eager to move on from the veteran receiver and are reportedly willing to eat a significant portion of his salary to make a deal work. That flexibility will play a key role in any trade discussions, as it makes Kupp’s acquisition much more viable for a team like the Steelers, who are already tight on cap space.

As the trade talks heat up, Steelers fans will be closely watching Omar Khan and his next move. With the Rams seemingly desperate to part ways with Kupp, the opportunity is there for Pittsburgh to make a splash and strengthen their receiving corps. The question remains: will Khan pull the trigger and make the trade that could reshape the Steelers’ offense for the 2025 season?

#SteelerNation