Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp marked his return from an ankle injury in Week 9, helping the team to a big 30-20 win against the Minnesota Vikings and keeping their postseason hopes alive.
A few weeks ago, Kupp was rumored to be a trade candidate, and the Pittsburgh Steelers emerged as a potential landing spot. However, former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t believe that the team will be able to make a move for the Rams star.
Ben Roethlisberger Rules Out Cooper Kupp’s Move To Steelers
In a conversation on “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger,” the legendary Steelers QB mentioned that Pittsburgh is unlikely to bring in a receiver of Kupp’s caliber. He further added that the Super Bowl LVI MVP will not be happy on a team where he gets fewer targets, which is what would happen if Kupp is moved to Pittsburgh.
“I don’t think it’s realistic, to be honest,” said Roethlisberger. “You’re not going to bring a number one into this situation. I don’t think Cooper Kupp would want to come here. He’s only played three games, but through three games, he has 23 catches, almost 200 yards, and two touchdowns. We’ve played eight, and he would be number four on our team in receiving.
“He doesn’t want to come here and catch the ball, you know, three or four times a game, and be targeted five [times]. That’s not what he wants to do. I think he would be huge because you know how you can move Cooper Kupp around. You could put him in the slot, you could put him outside. I think that’s a dream come true, but I don’t think Cooper would want to come here, and I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
The Steelers are 6-2 on the season, and their offense has looked prolific with Russell Wilson as the quarterback. George Pickens has blossomed with the veteran QB, and other receivers like Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson have also made valuable contributions.
Pittsburgh should still look to trade for a receiver, but not someone on a big contract like Kupp. The Baltimore Ravens recently acquired Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers, and the Steelers should try to get someone like Adam Thielen or Mike Williams before the Nov. 5 trade deadline.
Rams Are Unlikely To Trade Kupp
The Rams have won their last two games and are currently 3-4. They still have a chance of winning the NFC West, which is why it’s unlikely that they will be sellers at the trade deadline.
Head coach Sean McVay has already expressed his desire to keep Kupp on the team, and with Puka Nacua also back, the Rams have the potential to go on a long winning streak.
When healthy, Kupp is one of the best wideouts in the NFL, and Los Angeles will hope that he can stay healthy for the rest of the campaign. In three games this season, the 31-year-old receiver has 23 receptions for 198 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets.
The Rams will play the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. A win there would put Los Angeles in an ideal spot to make a run at winning the division.
