Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is expected to return on Thursday Night Football versus the Minnesota Vikings, according to multiple reports. Kupp had missed the previous four games with an ankle injury. His return is extremely timely.
If the Vikings defeat the Rams on Thursday, their record will fall to a hapless 2-5, dead last in the NFC West. With the trade deadline approaching (Nov. 5), multiple teams have already inquired about Kupp's availability, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Kupp is unlikely to remain with the Rams next season due to a bloated salary, so general manager Les Snead would be wise to acquire draft capital in a lost campaign.
We’ve identified three potential landing spots for Kupp via trade.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football, winning 37-15 to claim first place in the AFC North—at least momentarily with the Baltimore Ravens playing on Monday. In his first start of the season, Russell Wilson completed 16-of-29 passing attempts for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Pittsburgh's offense looked considerably more explosive with Wilson in place of Justin Fields.
George Pickens was dominant, accumulating five receptions for 111 yards and one touchdown. The Steelers still need secondary pass-catching threats. The other wide receivers on Pittsburgh's roster, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson, combined for three catches on Sunday. With Pickens being a contested-catch winner for Wilson down the field, Kupp would be the perfect complement as somebody who wins underneath the coverage.
Baltimore Ravens
Speaking of the Ravens, they should possess interest in Kupp, too. Baltimore is currently fielding the league's best rushing attack on the backs of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Their NFL-topping 205.3 ground yards per game is considerably more than what the second-place run offense produces (166.7, Philadelphia Eagles).
The Ravens are a well-balanced offense, with their passing attack ranked sixth heading into Monday at 248.3 yards per contest. Zay Flowers has been Jackson's go-to target, but the Ravens lack depth behind him. Anxious to avenge last season's AFC Championship Game defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, general manager Eric DeCosta should be a buyer at the NFL trade deadline. Kupp would give Jackson another option.
Los Angeles Chargers
Heading into Monday Night Football, the Los Angeles Chargers are averaging a 30th-ranked 153.2 passing yards per game. That's borderline unfathomable with a $260 million Justin Herbert at quarterback. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman is currently riding resurgent running back J.K. Dobbins. Roman has always been a run-happy play-caller, but he's not yet maximizing Herbert's skill set.
The Chargers are currently 3-2 and in a wild-card spot but need to diversify their offense if they're going to be legitimate postseason contenders. The receiving corps is very inexperienced, led by sophomore Quentin Johnston and rookie Ladd McConkey. Acquiring Kupp would help Herbert get back to his potential.
