NFL Analysis
10/23/24
6 min read
3 Trade Ideas For Los Angeles Rams Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp
The Cooper Kupp era in Los Angeles looks like it's coming to an end.
According to Dianna Russini with The Athletic, the Rams have received multiple calls on a potential trade to acquire Kupp. The Rams haven't shot those calls down; however, they are seeking a second-round pick in exchange for taking on a portion of the star receiver's remaining salary for 2024.
In an injury-plagued season, the Rams sit at 2-4 and last place in the NFC West. Head coach Sean McVay and QB Matthew Stafford have patiently waited for Kupp and fellow receiver Puka Nacua to get healthy and back on the field.
Instead of banking on a midseason turnaround, Rams GM Les Snead appears to be close to embracing a full-on rebuild. If that's the case, then there are a few teams who would be ideal fits for Kupp.
Cooper Kupp's Trade Value
Even at 31 years old, Kupp looked like one of the best receivers in the league in 1.5 games this year before going down with an ankle injury.
Kupp was targeted 27 times in those 1.5 games, catching 18 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. According to Pro Football Focus, he had generated a strong 2.10 yards per route run with seven missed tackles forced during that span.
Despite having an all-time season as a Triple Crown winner and Super Bowl MVP in 2021, Kupp has struggled to stay healthy since. He played in just nine games in 2022, then 12 in 2023, and has already missed four games this season.
Still, if healthy, Kupp is one of the most productive receivers in the league. His contract, with cap hits of over $29 million in 2025 and $27.3 million in 2026, would be the bigger hurdle in a potential trade.
All of these factors will play a part in Kupp's trade value. Still, given his production and skill set, expect a team to lean toward giving up something similar to what the New York Jets gave up for Davante Adams (a conditional third-round pick) and what the Kansas City Chiefs traded for DeAndre Hopkins (a conditional fourth-round pick).
Cooper Kupp Trade Ideas
Pittsburgh Steelers 
Steelers receive: WR Cooper Kupp
Rams receive: 2025 third-round pick
George Pickens was finally allowed to cook on Sunday night with Russell Wilson under center. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers still need another dynamic weapon to take some of the pressure off of their No. 1 receiver.
As of right now, the Steelers don't have an impact receiver in the slot. Calvin Austin III has the highest percentage of snaps in the slot, but he's averaging just 1.49 yards per route run.
Kupp has thrived in the slot throughout his career. According to TruMedia, Kupp has averaged 2.51 yards per route run in the slot since 2020, including an impressive 3.45 YPRR back in 2021.
Pairing Kupp with Pickens would open Pittsburgh's passing game, regardless of who is playing quarterback in the next few seasons.
New England Patriots
Patriots receive: WR Cooper Kupp, 2025 sixth-round pick
Rams receive: 2025 third-round pick, 2026 fourth-round pick
The offensive line is a top priority for the New England Patriots next offseason, but rookie QB Drake Maye still needs a reliable target to throw to.
Maye showed flashes of being the long-term answer at quarterback for the Patriots in his second career start. He completed 70 percent of his passes for 276 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. RBSDM credited him with 8.2 total EPA in the loss, which is a solid number considering the supporting cast around him.
Despite the Patriots' offensive struggles, Maye's mobility and ball placement provide plenty of off-script playmaking ability.
Drake Maye playing with a good sense of timing here. Doesn't like how well the DB is still stacked on the in-breaker to his left. Comes off, looks for Hunter Henry, and slips out of the pocket when he realizes that's also covered. Finds Henry on the move right after pic.twitter.com/gUlvKVae4o
— Derrik Klassen (@QBKlass) October 21, 2024
Kupp would give Maye a much-needed safety outlet in the slot while allowing the star wide receiver to mentor younger wideouts like Ja'Lynn Polk and Kayshon Boutte.
The Patriots have plenty of cap space going forward and an extra third-round pick in next year's draft, thanks to the Matthew Judon trade with Atlanta. They can use that pick in this move while keeping their other third-round pick to keep building around Maye.
Washington Commanders
Commanders receive: WR Cooper Kupp
Rams receive: 2025 second-round pick
The Washington Commanders came into this season with a long-term outlook on building their franchise around rookie QB Jayden Daniels.
Now, they must start thinking about moves that can help them make a playoff run.
At 5-2, the Commanders hold an outright lead in the NFC East. However, the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are still talented teams that could usurp Washington at the top of the division before the end of the season.
Trading for Kupp would be an exciting move for the 2024 season and the future. He's still under contract through the 2026 season but could be an immediate boost to the team as an electric slot receiver with Terry McLaurin on the outside.
Daniels has started to thrive throwing in the middle of the field. According to TruMedia, Daniels has completed 13-of-14 passes between the hashes this season for 127 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. The rookie quarterback has also thrived on intermediate passing concepts, posting a 132.3 passer rating on passes 10-19 yards downfield (h/t PFF).
The No. 2 overall pick put on a clinic in these areas earlier this season against the Ravens.
3 of Jayden Daniels' best throws against the Ravens came on the same drive:.
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) October 15, 2024
1) Over route with pressure in his face
2) Hole shot on a bubble+pump concept
3) Fantastic throw over the middle to Ertz right around Roquan Smith (probably my favorite throw of his from this season) pic.twitter.com/oIo3bbFIqI
These are areas of the field where Kupp can thrive as a receiver. Daniels is on track to contend for the Rookie of the Year award, but a move for another star receiver would help him take the next step in Year 1 while setting him up to become a potential superstar in the coming seasons.
