Ranking the 5 best Cooper Kupp landing spots as trade rumors swirl around Rams WR
Could Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp be the next big-name wide recevier traded? It certainly seems like a possibility.
After wide receivers Davante Adams and Amari Cooper were traded last week, and with the NFL trade deadline of Nov. 5 fast-approaching, Kupp has become a recent addition to trade rumors.
Earlier this week, Kupp's name popped up as a potential trade candidate mentioned by NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport.
Today, NFL reporter Diana Russini joined the "Dan Lebatard Show with Stugotz" and pretty much confirmed Kupp is a hot trade candidate right now.
Russini said:
"If the Rams are willing to take on the salary I heard that they're willing to do, they are definitely open to trading Cooper Kupp, so, we'll see if they'll be able to get a deal done. I just don't think Kansas City has even enough money, even if the Rams were to take on some of that salary. That's been the problem and the reason they haven't been able to go after a Davante Adams, an Amari Cooper like we've seen other teams be aggressive with."
Five landing spots for Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp is in his eighth season in the NFL, and can help out a lot of different teams. While he hasn't played a full season since 2021, Kupp is still a reliable pass catcher that can thrive as a number-two wide recevier in many systems. In some, he could even be the first-option wide recevier.
In Kupp's last full season playing, he had a personal best, recording 145 receptions for 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns. He earned the triple crown that year.
Here are five landing spots for Cooper Kupp if he is in fact traded:
#1 - Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have a glaring need at wide receiver since Tyreek Hill was traded a few seasons ago.
The Chiefs have also lost the top two wide receivers before the midway point of the season as Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and Rashee Rice have each suffered season-ending injuries.
Adding a guy like Kupp would certainly help the wide recevier corps and would help quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has been struggling this season.
#2 - San Francisco 49ers
Another team that has been plagued by injuries this season. Unlike the Chiefs though, who are 6-0 and find ways to win, the 49ers are 3-4 and are underperforming.
The 49ers also found out that Brandon Aiyuk is done for the seaosn after tearing his LCL and ACL in Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. With Jauan Jennings also dealing with an injury, Kupp could become a receiver option for the 49ers this season.
#3 - Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers would benefit from having another good wide receiver on the opposite side of George Pickens. The Steelers haven't had a good wide recevier group since Antonio Brown was on the roster, and acquiring a guy like Kupp could result in one of the best duos in the league.
Adding another weapon at wide recevier would also help out Russell Wilson, who just became the team's starting quarterback.
#4 - Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore has a run-heavy playbook, and that style has made the Ravens one of the best offenses in football today. Still, the pass catchers at the wide receiver position can be upgraded.
Baltimore hasn't had a 1,000-yard wide receiver since 2021, when Hollywood Brown had 1,008 yards. Since then, the team has been searching for a bonafide WR1. Adding Kupp could elevate Zay Flowers to become the true number-one wide out on the offense, or Kupp could take on that role, giving Flowers more opportunities in the inside.
#5 - New York Giants
Quarterback Daniel Jones is in a make-or-break year for the New York Giants. He's already built a connection with rookie wide recevier Malik Nabers, who has emerged as one of the best young wide receivers in football.
Adding Kupp for the rest of the season could lead the Giants to retain Jones this offseason if he is able to prove to the team that he can be a franchise quarterback. Adding Kupp could certainly help out Jones and the Giants offense.
Breaking down Cooper Kupp's contract and salary
Diana Russini double-downed on her stance, tweeting that the Los Angeles Rams have contacted multiple teams about trading for Kupp and are seeking a second-round pick in return as well as taking on some of his salary.
If the Rams are open for business dealing Cooper Kupp, there will certainly be a number of teams interested in acquiring the star wide receiver. The fact that the Rams would take on some of his salary should bump up interest.
Kupp signed a three-year, $80.1 million contract extension, that included $75 million in 2022 to remain under contract with the Rams through the 2026 season.
He's due $9.1 million for this season, $20 million next season, with $5 million of that guaranteed, and $19.85 million in 2026, which is non-guaranteed.
It seems as if the Rams are looking for value out of Kupp and are looking to build for the future. There will certainly be a number of interested suitors.
Who do you think will trade for Cooper Kupp?