NFL analyst claims Cooper Kupp trade hype is manufactured by Rams
Cooper Kupp might be in his last days as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. After weeks of recovery, the franchise wide receiver might be on the way out as reports have surfaced that the Rams are interested in trading him. However, according to one NFL analyst, those reports were planted.
Speaking on "Pro Football Talk" on Wednesday, NFL analyst Mike Florio said (00:07):
"I had an executive with another team explain to me how well the Rams create trade buzz and they did it with Cooper Kupp. What happens is we got a Sunday splash report that along the lines of teams are interested, might be available, like if there's a team that's interested, they're not telling the world.
"They don't want all the other teams to show up and price and bump up the bidding. ... They want maximum interest. That gets them maximum trade compensation."
Kupp has played in just two games this season. However, in one of the two, he logged 110 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions. That, coupled with his record-setting season in 2021, sets up an argument that he could be an asset to a win-now team.
However, at age 31 with a colorful recent injury history, any such move for him would most likely be short-term. According to Statmuse, the oldest wide receiver in the league is 34, but he is the only one older than 32 years old.
Cooper Kupp's potential trade situation puts Rams WR in awkward position ahead of TNF
It seems that Cooper Kupp might get one last game with the Los Angeles Rams. However, with his future up in the air, it puts Kupp in an awkward position. If he wins the game for the Rams, he gets the team into a 2-0 run. Considering the Rams pulled off a 3-6 turnaround last year with a mid-season run, Kupp might be damaging his next team's playoff odds by kickstarting the Rams.
However, he also has reason to want to beat the Minnesota Vikings with the team near the top of the NFC standings. If he stays in the NFC, knocking the Vikings down a peg ahead of his next landing spot could only benefit his next team.
Either way, it appears to be a lose-lose situation for Cooper Kupp. That is, unless he lands in the AFC. Will the Rams take a cheaper price to ensure they don't have to face him in 2024 or 2025?
According to NFL insider Dianna Russini, via The Athletic and Pennlive, the Los Angeles Rams are looking for a second-round pick. Would they settle for a third- or a fourth-round pick to keep him away from an NFC rival?