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Russini: Rams have called “several teams” about trading Cooper Kupp


Russini: Rams have called “several teams” about trading Cooper Kupp

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the market for a receiver, and while the names that have been floated most often are DeAndre Hopkins and Mike Williams, there could be a much more interesting name on the market. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Rams have called “multiple teams” to trade WR Cooper Kupp. Russini added that the Rams are willing to take on a portion of Kupp's remaining 2024 salary and want a second-round pick in return.

Russini also floated the idea that the Rams should trade Kupp for them Scoop City podcast earlier today, and said that there are teams “toying” with the idea of ​​making a move for him.

“I think the Rams are definitely taking advantage of Cooper Kupp. I think there are GMs… there are definitely some teams that are playing with it and the Rams are open to it,” Russini said.

She also mentioned the possibility on The Dan LeBatard Show when asked directly about the Chiefs potentially trading for Kupp, though Russini said she doesn't think the Chiefs have the money to make a deal work themselves if Los Angeles covers a portion of Kupp's salary. She seemed to indicate that Los Angeles is willing to take on a portion of Kupp's contract.

“If the Rams are willing to take on the salary that I've heard they're willing to do, they're definitely open to trading Cooper Kupp, so we'll see if they can get a deal done,” she said.

The Steelers haven't shied away from signing a big-name receiver. They made an effort to sign WR Brandon Aiyuk and WR Davante Adams this offseason before he was traded to the New York Jets.

There is a risk for Kupp. He has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and has a contract through 2026, although his contract has no guaranteed money beyond next season. He missed four games this season after suffering an ankle injury in Week 2, but he had a monster performance in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions with 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown.

Kupp was the 2021 Super Bowl LVI MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year when he totaled 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. Over his career, he recorded 585 receptions for 7,213 yards and 52 touchdowns. However, he has only played 23 games since this season as he has struggled with various injuries.

Since the Rams are 2-4, they may want to add some draft capital and move on from a player they have been without for most of the season. The Steelers will likely be interested in Kupp as they are interested in adding to the receiver room, and when healthy, he is one of the game's best wideouts. He would be a good option for Pittsburgh and, along with George Pickens, would form a formidable 1-2 wide receiver tandem for Russell Wilson as the Steelers attempt to push into the playoffs.

Given the balance on Kupp's deal, it could be difficult for the Steelers to give up a second-round pick. But given that the Rams are reportedly willing to take on some of that money, it seems like there's real motivation on their part to move him. He would be a huge asset for the Steelers if they could get it done and put him on the list of names to watch in the next two weeks before the November 5th trade deadline.

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