Trades to Make: Los Angeles Rams Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp

The NFL has seen several high-profile trades in recent weeks, but there's still time for teams to shake things up. In Trades to Make, we'll cover some of the best players who could be on the move before the November 5th trade deadline.

Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp

It wasn't that long ago that Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was one of the best players in the league. In 2021, Kupp had a season for the ages, leading the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1947), and receiving touchdowns (16) on his way to taking home the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year award and even Super Bowl LVI MVP.

Unfortunately, Kupp has seen his productivity and efficiency dwindle over three injury-riddled seasons, and last year's rookie phenom, Puka Nacua, appears to have surpassed him as the Rams' top wideout. Given the Rams are sitting on a 2-4 record, they're probably better off finding a new home for Kupp while he still has value.

Who should be interested?

Ultimately, Kupp belongs on a competitive team that needs a complementary, secondary option in the passing game that can soak up targets on short and intermediate passes. His days as a reliable, explosive top option are likely behind him: He's 31 years old and hasn't exceeded 900 receiving yards in a season since 2021. The Rams should be content with a mid-round pick as trade compensation.

Typically, teams like to do business with known quantities and existing relationships. Rams head coach Sean McVay has disciples all around the league. Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, and Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris all served as coordinators under McVay at some point, but none of their teams have obvious needs for a WR1 or WR2. Detroit Lions quarterback and former Ram Jared Goff played with Kupp from 2017 to 2020, but the Lions also appear set at wide receiver, with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams both averaging over 60 receiving yards per game this season.

If the Rams are willing to expand their social circle a smidge, they should be able to find more practical fits for Kupp. The Pittsburgh Steelers could use someone to draw attention away from top pass catcher George Pickens, particularly if quarterback Russell Wilson continues to improve their passing game. The Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos could also benefit from enhancing their barren receiving corps with a savvy veteran.