The Pittsburgh Steelers have been named the favorites to trade for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the market for a wide receiver since last offseason, but many believe they'll finally land one in the coming weeks and it could come in the form of a former All-Pro.
According to betcalifornia.com , the Steelers are the favorites to trade for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason.
Pittsburgh is projected to have a 15.4 percent chance (+550) of landing Kupp followed by the New England Patriots and Washington Commanders, who are each listed at having a 14.3 percent chance (+600) of landing him.
There had been speculation about Kupp's future with the Rams following the end of the regular season. He confirmed those beliefs on Monday when he posted a farewell on social media.
"I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships. I don't agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA," Kupp wrote . "Still, if there's one thing that I have learned over the years: there are so many things that are out of your control, but it is how you respond to these things that you will look back on and remember."
Kupp has been a very good player throughout his eight-year NFL career, which began as a third-round pick (No. 69 overall) in 2017. However, there are a few things to take into account.
The first are his age and injury history. Kupp will turn 32 this summer and he has had three straight seasons that have been impacted by injury.
In each of the past two seasons, Kupp has played in just 12 games while dealing with multiple ankle injuries and a hamstring issue. In 2022, he only played in nine games.
Kupp seems to believe his injuries are behind him, but he'll still come at a risk heading into his ninth season in the league.
"Preparations start now for 2025," Kupp wrote. "Highly motivated, as healthy as ever, and looking forward to playing elite football for years to come."
Kupp also has two years remaining on his current contract. The team that trades for him could negotiate a new deal, but as of now, he's owed $20 million in 2025 and $19.85 million in 2026. Only $5 million of that money is guaranteed, though.
It remains to be seen what it would take to acquire Kupp in a trade, but it still wouldn't hurt the Steelers to give the Rams a call again after showing previous interest in the veteran wide receiver.
Pittsburgh has been looking to add another wide receiver to pair with George Pickens for some time now, settling for veteran wide receiver Mike Williams at the trade deadline. Kupp could prove to be the perfect complement.
The former Super Bowl LVI MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year has recorded 634 catches for 7,776 yards and 57 touchdowns in his career.
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