Wide Receivers Dominate NFL Trade Talks as Deadline Approaches
Wide receivers have taken center stage as the NFL trade deadline nears, with DeAndre Hopkins being the latest to switch teams. On Wednesday, Hopkins was traded from the Tennessee Titans to the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, following the recent moves of Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Jets and Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills.
Now, the focus shifts to Los Angeles Rams’ star wide receiver Cooper Kupp, whose name has surfaced in trade rumors ahead of the Nov. 5 deadline. Kupp is expected to return from an ankle injury Thursday night when the Rams take on the Minnesota Vikings—if he remains with the team by then.
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Kupp’s Trade Possibilities
The 31-year-old Kupp has acknowledged the trade rumors but remains focused on his current team. “I’m aware of it… but at the end of the day, I mean, I’m going to be where my feet are,” Kupp said. Despite the rumors, he emphasized his dedication to the Rams, where he’s played for seven and a half years.
Given the recent trades of other top wideouts, Kupp could potentially join them in a new uniform. The Rams, who are looking to accumulate draft capital, might consider moving him, especially given his injury history and the financial implications of his contract.
Odds of Kupp’s Next Team
If Kupp were to be traded, the Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as the odds-on favorite to land him, according to SportsBetting.ag. Here’s a look at the teams with the shortest odds to acquire Kupp:
- Steelers (4/5) (-125)
- Chargers (4/1)
- Buccaneers (6/1)
- Lions (7/1)
The Steelers (5-2) could use Kupp to bolster their receiving corps, where George Pickens leads the way, but the team lacks depth behind him. The Chargers (3-3) have a young receiving group and could benefit from Kupp’s veteran presence, especially after losing key players like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
Tampa Bay (4-3) is dealing with injuries to star receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, making Kupp an intriguing option to fill the void. Meanwhile, the Lions (5-1) are also in the mix, as they face a temporary loss of Jameson Williams due to suspension.
Kupp’s Injury Concerns and Contract Hurdles
Kupp has battled injuries over the past few seasons, limiting his playing time since his historic 2021 campaign when he won the receiver Triple Crown by leading the NFL in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947), and touchdowns (16). He was also named Super Bowl MVP that season.
One of the hurdles to any trade involving Kupp is the $14 million in guaranteed money remaining on his contract. The Rams would need to decide how much of that salary they are willing to absorb in a trade, which could complicate potential deals.
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Kupp’s Commitment to the Rams
Despite the swirling rumors, Kupp remains committed to giving his all for the Rams. “I have a job to do here, and I take a lot of pride in giving everything I can for the guys in this building,” he said. Whether Kupp stays with Los Angeles or heads to a new team, his future will be one of the most intriguing storylines as the trade deadline approaches.