In recent years, we’ve seen much more action at the NFL trade deadline than in the past. The Los Angeles Rams sit 2-4 ahead of their Thursday night battle with the Minnesota Vikings. Another loss could cement the Rams’ status as sellers at the deadline. Could veteran legends like Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford be playing for new teams soon?
Cooper Kupp on the Trade Block?
The Rams have been through the wringer with WR injuries. Puka Nacua went down in Week 1, and Kupp followed in Week 2. Then, before LA’s bye week, the Rams also lost standout rookie Jordan Whittington.
This has resulted in a 2-4 record and a team on the brink as the NFL trade deadline approaches.
Kupp is 31 years old. While he does have a skill set that ages well, his body has already shown signs of breaking down. Since his historic 2021 season, when he caught 145 passes for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns, he’s been injured every year — and this year has been no different.
The good news is that Kupp still looks like Kupp. The elite ability hasn’t gone anywhere, and he’s still capable of helping a contender.
Cooper Kupp's lines in his last 6 healthy regular season games:
14/110/1
4/27/1
6/52/0
8/111/1
8/115/1
6/39/1— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) October 24, 2024
At Kupp’s age, the Rams have no real incentive to ride out his career into the sunset if they don’t intend to try and chase another championship. With another loss, that dream would slip even further away.
This is not a situation like the New York Jets, where teams inquired about Garrett Wilson without any actual inclination the team intended to trade him. The Rams have spearheaded the effort to move their star wide receiver.
The Rams have called multiple teams about trading former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp sources tell @mikesilver, @jourdanrodrigue, and me.
The Rams have indicated a willingness to take on some of the ‘24 salary and are seeking a 2nd round pick.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 22, 2024
With two weeks until the Nov. 5 deadline, at this point, it seems more likely than not that Kupp will be traded. Of course, the Rams’ performances in Weeks 8 and 9 could impact that. They might be compelled to give it one more run if they rattle off two wins.
If the Rams move Kupp, the ideal fit would be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There haven’t been any concrete rumors regarding any specific destination, but the Bucs make too much sense. Baker Mayfield is playing like an MVP candidate, and the team just lost Mike Evans for a month and Chris Godwin for the season.
Another team linked to Kupp has been the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s hard to take any of the Steelers rumors seriously, though, as any time there’s a rumor of a WR being traded, the Steelers are mentioned. They were linked to Brandon Aiyuk late in August, but that never materialized. It would be a surprise if Kupp landed in Pittsburgh.
Other teams that make a ton of sense are the Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys. However, that’s pure speculation, with neither of them linked to the Rams in any trade rumor.
True or False: Matthew Stafford to the Vikings?
Matthew Stafford brought a Super Bowl to Los Angeles, and the city and team will be forever grateful.
At 36 years old, Stafford still appears to have a few years left and can certainly help a contender who is a quarterback away.
Checking in on the Matthew Stafford-to-the-Vikings rumors I’ve been getting lots of questions about. Source said there’s zero truth to the idea the Vikings are trying to trade for him.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) October 23, 2024
Strangely, the only real rumor was a potential trade to the Minnesota Vikings. It’s a deal that would make absolutely zero sense, especially in light of how well Sam Darnold is playing. Unsurprisingly, there are no teeth to this rumor.
It remains unclear whether the Rams are actually willing to trade their quarterback. So far, no reliable sources have suggested a trade is imminent or even likely.