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Teams inquired about Rams WR Cooper Kupp; Steelers and Chargers are interested in Jets WR Mike Williams


Teams inquired about Rams WR Cooper Kupp; Steelers and Chargers are interested in Jets WR Mike Williams

If the Rams lose their next two games – Sunday at the Raiders and Thursday against the 5-0 Vikings – those calls could intensify.

A trade for the 31-year-old Kupp would be complicated, to say the least. The Super Bowl LVI MVP was a member of Sean McVay's first draft class and the two are close. He is a fan favorite and a favorite of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Even though rookie Jordan Whittington represented the ball well (18 balls, 201 yards), he is not Kupp.

There are also questions: Would the Rams actually do it?

Kupp could serve as the final piece for a playoff-ready team, but his contract could also require some adjustments. He is due a roster bonus of $7.5 million in March (including $5 million fully guaranteed), which the acquiring team would theoretically receive. Then there is another $5 million roster bonus in 2026 that is not guaranteed.

He is due about $20 million in each of the next three seasons, although only one more year is guaranteed.

As the Rams have shown, they can negotiate his contract to make a trade possible if there is a deal attractive to them.

Meanwhile, Adams' move to the Jets also left Mike Williams, the New York big-play wideout signed this offseason, as a potential trade partner. According to sources, several teams have called about him, including the Steelers and his old team, the Chargers.

Pittsburgh has been in the market for a big receiver since it tried to trade for Brandon Aiyuk before he re-signed with the 49ers. The team will take a close look at Williams when the Jets take on the Steelers on Sunday.

Williams did not participate in practice on Wednesday and Thursday for personal reasons, but returned fully to practice on Friday. It appears his days with the Jets may be numbered. A Williams transfer would also be relatively easy since the Jets would pay most of his salary up front.

According to sources, these aren't the only players whose names are sparking interest in trade talks:

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