7 potential landing spots for Cooper Kupp
Editor's note: This piece was published before Wednesday's reported trade that sees the Kansas City Chiefs land star wideout DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans.
The 2-4 Los Angeles Rams are reportedly open to trading 2021 Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp. Sean McVay's outfit - which apparently could take on some of Kupp's $9.1-million salary in 2024 - wants a second-round pick in exchange for the wideout, who won the receiving triple crown three years ago but has since battled several injuries.
Kupp caught 18 passes for 147 yards and one touchdown in two games this season before sustaining an ankle injury. But the 31-year-old is expected to return this week.
Here's a list of teams that should pursue the Super Bowl LVI MVP:
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City is the most obvious landing spot. The reigning Super Bowl champions are 6-0 but have a major need at wide receiver after losing Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown to injuries. Only rookie Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman, and Skyy Moore are available. An aging Travis Kelce remains the team's No. 1 target, but Andy Reid's outfit needs to upgrade its supporting cast around Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes remains the NFL's most clutch quarterback, but Kansas City's flawed WR room has held him back. He's passed for only six touchdowns against a league-high eight interceptions, and his average depth of target continues to decrease. Kupp would fit like a glove as arguably the league's best slot receiver when healthy. Kansas City also has an extra 2025 third-round pick.
Pittsburgh Steelers
No one should be surprised if the Steelers go after Kupp. Pittsburgh has shown strong interest in acquiring an established receiver and also has an additional 2025 Round 3 selection, but the team missed out on Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams. A two-time 1,000-yard wideout, Kupp would instantly elevate a Steelers offense that has a big gap between No. 1 receiver George Pickens and the likes of Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III.
Putting together a stronger offensive unit could make a big difference for Pittsburgh, which has gone one-and-done in its last four playoff appearances. Mike Tomlin's outfit boasts a solid defense, but its offense hasn't been able to keep up with the rest of the AFC. The Steelers did show potential with Russell Wilson at QB in Week 7. Adding a reliable weapon like Kupp alongside someone as explosive as Pickens would immediately improve Pittsburgh's offense.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders were also linked to Aiyuk and Adams but have a young core, so they may not show as much interest in a player who's now on the wrong side of 30.
That said, Washington is still missing another top wideout opposite Terry McLaurin. The Commanders found their franchise quarterback in rookie Jayden Daniels, so they should make a move for Kupp to cement themselves as NFC contenders.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota already has a solid trio with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor. But as a surprising NFC contender, the 5-1 Vikings shouldn't think twice about adding more offensive firepower to support their great defense. Plus, coach Kevin O'Connell is familiar with Kupp after serving as the Rams' coordinator in 2020 and 2021 when L.A. won the Super Bowl and Kupp posted a career year.
A challenge for Minnesota here would be draft compensation. O'Connell's outfit currently has only three picks in 2025: a first-round selection and two fifth-rounders.
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles has been missing extra talent at wide receiver after moving on from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Granted, the Chargers used a second-round pick on Ladd McConkey in April to team him up with the likes of Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer. Justin Herbert deserves better, though.
Kupp would certainly make the 3-3 Chargers' quest for a wild-card spot easier. It'd also be an easy move for him as he'd stay in L.A. and even keep playing in the same home stadium. Finally, he's signed through the 2026 season, guaranteeing that Jim Harbaugh would have Kupp under contract beyond his first year coaching the franchise.
New England Patriots
The rebuilding Patriots are another team that could use Kupp's services beyond 2024. It's not hard to understand why New England was interested in trading for Aiyuk. Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte are the Pats' leading wideouts despite failing to post 300 yards each. Ja'Lynn Polk has more drops (three) than touchdowns (one) after being drafted in the second round.
The Patriots also acquired an extra third-round pick from the Atlanta Falcons for Matthew Judon. It'd make a lot of sense for Jerod Mayo and Co. to add Kupp and bolster the supporting cast around quarterback Drake Maye.
San Francisco 49ers
It's highly unlikely that the Rams trade Kupp to a division rival, but the 49ers would actually be one of the top destinations for the receiver. It'd be fascinating to see Kyle Shanahan explore Kupp's ability to get open and gain yards after the catch.
San Francisco has a major hole at wide receiver after losing Brandon Aiyuk to a torn ACL and MCL. Jauan Jennings and tight end George Kittle are also banged up. And Deebo Samuel was recently released from the hospital after dealing with pneumonia. Oh, and did we mention that running back Christian McCaffrey has yet to play this season due to an Achilles injury? If there's a team that needs more passing weapons now, it's the Niners.