Steelers Writer Floats Trade Package For Rams’ Cooper Kupp

Cooper Kupp is on the trade block, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are viewed as a viable landing spot.

The 31-year-old Kupp, who has two seasons remaining on his contract, carries an expensive cap hit and thus isn’t expected to come costly. Many believe the Rams could trade Kupp for a modest Day 3 draft pick.

The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo predicted the Steelers could acquire Kupp for a fourth-round selection.

“The Steelers plan to address wide receiver significantly this offseason and should be exploring all avenues to make it happen, including a trade like this one,” DeFabo wrote in The Athletic story highlighting nine potential trades. “While Kupp’s hefty salary-cap hit, injury history and age should help drive down the price, the veteran receiver does many things that would fit well in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme. Kupp’s willingness to work over the middle of the field meshes with Smith’s preferences in the passing game, and his effort as a blocker fits in Smith’s run-heavy offense.

“By bolstering the receiver room early in the offseason, the Steelers would gain some flexibility. They could then pursue the possibility of trading George Pickens, who is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract and could ‘hold in’ to try to force the Steelers to hand over guaranteed money early. In that way, trading for Kupp could be part of a larger makeover.”

Pittsburgh likely will have some competition if it wants to acquire Kupp, especially since the veteran wideout wants to land with a contender.