The Chargers or Saints may pursue Rams wide receiver, Cooper Kupp this upcoming NFL trade deadline. Tom Pelissero spoke on the Rich Eisen Show, stating that if the Rams continue losing, they could trade either Kupp or quarterback Matthew Stafford in a trade package. It makes sense that he’s saying this since the team is already 1-4 and might be out of the playoff picture soon. Kupp and Puka Nacua have been out for several games due to injury, but Kupp looks expendable since Nacua will likely be their No. 1 immediate wideout.
Kupp isn’t the youngest player anymore on the roster and the Rams may have to thinking life after him. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if Sean McVay starts building a new regime away from Kupp. The veteran should garner trade interest if the Rams decide to move on but that’s only if he can stay healthy. The Rams’ offense hasn’t been the same anymore since losing Kupp and Nacua, even if they come back then it might be too late for the team to get back on track.
However, they may wait to make that decision until 2025 but it might be smarter to trade Kupp this year. Injuries will likely dwindle with his value but if he can’t stay healthy for Los Angeles, it’s easier to move on. When healthy, Kupp is one of the greatest playmakers for any roster that needs one. This is why the Chargers and Saints may pursue Kupp to bolster their receiving corps.
Could Chargers, Saints Pursue Rams Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp?
New Life for Justin Herbert
The passing game hasn’t been brilliant for Justin Herbert but that isn’t his fault. The team lost Mike Williams and Keenan Allen but didn’t do much to replace them. Jim Harbaugh was hoping Quentin Johnston would fill those shoes but he’s having another inconsistent year. Journeyman Joshua Palmer probably won’t last much longer after this season. However, they have a promising rookie in Ladd McConkey who’s been doing most of the work in the passing attack.
Harbaugh understands a running plan for Herbert but he must create a backup option for him in the pocket. No one should blame Herbert for not thriving in the passing game since he doesn’t have any help. The team can’t depend on the run forever and those types of plays will eventually become predictable. Kupp’s presence should add a distraction and a true go-to option for Herbert for him to finally become a great quarterback again.
Important Depth for Spencer Rattler
The Saints are walking into the next few weeks without Derek Carr. Somehow the team still has a ton of talent to go on a legitimate playoff run despite releasing A.T. Perry. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are probably the only reliable targets for the entire offense other than Alvin Kamara in the backfield. Spencer Rattler will take over but no one should expect him to run a heavy-set passing game.
However, Rattler should thrive in the pocket with the presence of Kupp. He would immediately become the best receiver on the team if he landed in New Orleans. It could help open the field for Olave and Shaheed, while the Saints have one of the worst offensive lines. Don’t expect the Saints to trade for someone like Kupp yet, they still should see how Rattler performs.
