Cooper Kupp trade update: NFL insider lists Steelers, Chiefs among early teams to watch

After Cooper Kupp announced the Los Angeles Rams’ plans to trade him, the market started to come into focus. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler shared where things stood, including some early teams to watch.

Fowler listed the PIttsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and Washington Commanders as teams who could express interest in Kupp. The Detroit Lions, he said, could also be one to watch because of Kupp’s relationship with Jared Goff.

But he also name-dropped the Kansas City Chiefs as a franchise that could make a call. Even as they made another run to Super Bowl LIX, they still face some questions at the receiver position.

“As far as early teams that people are sort of bantering about, the Pittsburgh Steelers looked into Cooper Kupp at the trade deadline last season,” Fowler told Kevin Negandhi and Elle Duncan on SportsCenter Tuesday evening. “They still have a need there. Washington could look for a complement to Terry McLaurin. The Patriots would be foolish not to at least check in on this, given their receiver situation. And here are a few surprises for you. Detroit Lions – Jared Goff, came in the league with Cooper Kupp. That’s instant chemistry.

“And then, Elle, doesn’t this kind of feel like a Kansas City Chiefs move, a little bit, that they would capitalize on this and make this happen? It just feels like that to me, but we’ll see.”

Kupp is coming off an up-and-down 2024 season as the Rams’ No. 2 receiver behind Puka Nacua. He totaled 710 yards and six touchdowns while appearing in 12 games. However, he’s three years removed from a 2021 campaign for the ages when he had 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns.

As for just how coveted Kupp will be, Fowler said it’s hard to say because of his injury history and production. Still, the Rams could be in position to make something happen.

“The executives I’ve been texting with today do believe Cooper Kupp will have a market because he’s quarterback-friendly, he can make contested catches, he’s still the smartest guy on any field he steps on and he’s a hard worker that can set a tone with a new franchise,” Fowler said.

“We might not be talking about a robust market because of the age, the declining production, some of the injuries and then, he’s due $20 million next year – $5.5 million of that is guaranteed. I don’t doubt that the Rams would eat some of the money to facilitate a trade, so that could certainly help matters.”