The Chiefs and Ravens may pursue Rams wide receiver, Cooper Kupp in a trade this midseason. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report says one of the Chiefs’ top trade targets should be Kupp who could become available this year. This is surprising when you look at it since he’s still one of the most reliable receivers in the league when he’s healthy. The Rams have no reason to move on from him unless the team can’t afford him to miss any more time.
Kupp has been struggling to stay healthy following his breakout 2021 campaign. He’s missing time again this season and the Rams could go young as quarterback Matthew Stafford may be on the end of his football career. Puka Nacua is the young star on the wideout depth so the team could build around him. However, the team waits patiently for Nacua’s return from his injury.
The Rams may have to start depending on a pair of receivers who can stay healthy rather than risk paying for a superstar wideout who is injury-prone. It wouldn’t be too long for Kupp to find a new job if the Rams become sellers this season. When healthy, Kupp has been a game-changer in nail-biting situations and crunch time, notching 33 catches for 478 yards and six touchdowns. However, that’s all in the past and a change of scenery may be what he needs to stay on the field.
Kupp was originally a third-round pick of the Rams in the 2017 NFL Draft spending the first four seasons in the league under Jared Goff. Injuries have been detrimental to his success so he may be available for cheap if teams reach out. However, it may be hard for the Rams to move but it isn’t impossible.
Chiefs, Ravens May Pursue Rams Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp in Trade
Help for Patrick Mahomes
The chances of Kansas City trading for Kupp may be slim but it’s not impossible. If the Rams lose their next few games which seems unlikely then it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Los Angeles puts him on the trade block. Head Coach Sean McVay must realize that Stafford isn’t going to be their quarterback much longer since he’s getting older. They’re heading into a new regime with Nacua as their new star wideout on the team and they may want to start getting young.
The Rams should be able to get plenty of draft capital to ship Kupp off to a team that wants to deal with his injuries. However, the Chiefs need a new playmaker after losing Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice in one season. Kupp would become their immediate No. 1 receiver next to Xavier Worthy on the deep threat. Kansas City must be careful if they pursue Kupp since he lacks durability.
More Firepower in Baltimore
It’s hard to argue against Lamar Jackson wanting Kupp on the team. Even though he may lack durability, he would be a great asset in the playoffs. Kupp may not have been active as much in the past few regular seasons but he always finds a way to come back to put on a show. This is where the Ravens need him the most if they want to dethrone the back-to-back defending Super Bowl Champions.
Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor and Kupp on the same team sounds like a dream super team. It’s not impossible since the Ravens look to give Jackson his first ring. Kupp may not be the same anymore but many should expect him to be explosive in time for the postseason.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
New Orleans Saints
It’s probably impossible for the Rams to trade Kupp to an NFC Team. However, New Orleans needs more firepower to help Derek Carr. They were explosive the first two weeks but they slowly look like they may crumble before this year’s postseason. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are two of their top targets but they’re lacking a third man.
The good news is they could get someone like Kupp to emerge as their top receiver while Shaheed focuses on the slot.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert is a thrower more than he is a runner so Jim Harbaugh should understand come this playoffs if they make it. Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer likely won’t take him near to full potential which is why they should bring in someone like Kupp who has a higher ceiling. Rookie Ladd McConkey has similar characteristics as Kupp so the two as Herbert’s top targets should fit in this offensive scheme.
