Cooper Kupp landing spots: Potential trade destinations for former All-Pro WR include Steelers and Cowboys

Cooper Kupp, one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, has been the centerpiece of the Los Angeles Rams’ offense since his breakout 2017 season. Over the years, Kupp has amassed impressive statistics, earning All-Pro honors and being the key to the Rams’ Super Bowl win during the 2021 season. However, with the 2025 NFL season approaching and the Rams entering a new phase of their rebuild, Kupp’s future with the team has been thrust into uncertainty. Despite his status as one of the league’s most consistent playmakers, rumors have begun to swirl around the possibility of the Rams trading Kupp to a contender looking to bolster their receiving corps.

While it may be a tough pill for Rams fans to swallow, the reality is that trading Kupp could allow Los Angeles to further its rebuild, especially given the team’s cap situation and desire to focus on youth. As such, several teams are likely to emerge as strong suitors for the veteran receiver, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys being two of the most intriguing destinations. These two teams, both with playoff aspirations and championship windows open, could find a trade for Kupp to be a perfect addition to their offensive plans.

In this article, we’ll explore why Cooper Kupp could be on the move and analyze potential trade landing spots, with a particular focus on the Steelers and Cowboys, two teams that stand out as logical suitors for the former All-Pro.

Why the Rams Could Trade Cooper Kupp

Before delving into the specific teams that could trade for Kupp, it’s important to understand why the Rams might be willing to part ways with their star wide receiver. There are several reasons, both financial and strategic, that could push the Rams toward a decision to move on from Kupp.

Cap Space and Contract Concerns

The Rams, led by head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead, have often been criticized for their aggressive approach to salary cap management. This approach, which involves prioritizing short-term success over long-term financial stability, has resulted in the Rams carrying hefty contracts for their key players. While they are positioned as a competitive team in the NFC, the Rams find themselves in a difficult financial situation with a number of aging veterans on the roster.

Kupp’s contract is one of the largest on the team, and with his age (he’ll be 31 in 2025) and injury history, his value on the open market could be at its peak. The Rams may look to trade him now to maximize his return before his contract becomes more difficult to manage. Trading Kupp would allow the Rams to free up valuable cap space to focus on younger players, including quarterback Matthew Stafford’s potential successor, and to continue building their future.

Rebuild and Youth Movement

The Rams have made it clear that they are shifting towards a rebuilding phase after their Super Bowl win in 2021. While they still have talented players such as Aaron Donald and Stafford, there’s a growing emphasis on building around younger talent for sustained success. Trading Kupp could expedite this process by bringing in draft capital and younger players, allowing the Rams to further commit to this rebuild.

Injury Concerns

Although Kupp has remained productive when on the field, his injury history is a growing concern. He missed the majority of the 2022 season due to a serious ankle injury and is coming off a 2024 season where injuries once again caused him to miss significant time. This lack of availability could give the Rams pause in investing too much in the veteran wide receiver long-term.

Pittsburgh Steelers: A Perfect Fit for Cooper Kupp

The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been one of the most stable franchises in the NFL. Despite some ups and downs in recent years, the Steelers are consistently competitive, and their fan base is known for its passionate support of the team. As of the 2025 season, Pittsburgh finds itself in a prime position to make a run at the playoffs and beyond, with an exciting young quarterback in Kenny Pickett and a defense that is among the league’s best.

However, despite their overall success, one area where the Steelers have struggled is in their receiving corps. While they have talented young receivers like George Pickens and promising tight end Pat Freiermuth, the team lacks a proven, elite playmaker who can consistently dominate on the outside. The addition of a veteran wide receiver like Cooper Kupp would address this issue and provide a significant boost to the offense.

Why the Steelers Would Be Interested in Kupp

The Steelers are an organization that consistently looks to add talent and improve their roster. Although Pickens and Freiermuth show great promise, Kupp’s ability to be a reliable, high-level contributor in all facets of the game – from route running to making contested catches in critical moments – would be invaluable to the Steelers’ offense.

With Pickett still in the early stages of his career, adding a veteran receiver like Kupp would ease his development and allow him to benefit from Kupp’s experience. The ability to rely on Kupp in crucial situations could elevate Pickett’s play and give the offense a true weapon in the passing game. Furthermore, Kupp’s skill set as an excellent route runner would complement Pickens’ more explosive style and provide Pittsburgh with a balanced and potent receiving duo.

Additionally, with the Steelers’ defense in a strong position to compete for championships in the coming years, the addition of Kupp could solidify Pittsburgh’s status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The team is just a few pieces away from putting together a complete roster, and Kupp could be the missing link in the offense.

Potential Trade Package

If the Steelers are to land Kupp, the Rams would likely expect a combination of draft picks and perhaps a player in return. A potential trade package could involve Pittsburgh sending a first-round pick, along with a second or third-round pick in future drafts. While the Steelers may be hesitant to part with a first-round pick, Kupp’s proven ability and experience would make him a valuable asset in their quest for a championship.

Dallas Cowboys: Another Strong Suitor for Cooper Kupp

The Dallas Cowboys, another NFC powerhouse, are a team that is also in the midst of championship contention. With a strong defense, an elite quarterback in Dak Prescott, and a potent running game, the Cowboys are one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL. However, one area where Dallas has room for improvement is in the receiving corps, which has seen a lack of consistency outside of CeeDee Lamb.

Adding Cooper Kupp to the fold would give the Cowboys a proven playmaker who can take pressure off Lamb and add an additional dimension to the offense. With Kupp’s ability to create separation, read defenses, and make critical catches in clutch moments, he could quickly become a trusted target for Prescott.

Why the Cowboys Would Be Interested in Kupp

The Cowboys have been close to making a Super Bowl run in recent years, but they’ve often fallen short due to inconsistent play from their offense, particularly at wide receiver. While Lamb is a star, Dallas has struggled to find a consistent second option to help him in the passing game.

Kupp’s skill set would complement Lamb’s style perfectly. Whereas Lamb is known for his explosive ability and big-play potential, Kupp’s precise route running and high-level football IQ would allow him to function as a reliable possession receiver who can make critical plays in key moments. Kupp’s ability to work underneath, stretch the field, and make catches in contested situations would open up the offense in a way that Dallas has yet to fully experience.

Potential Trade Package

For the Cowboys, acquiring Kupp would likely require them to part with significant assets. A trade package could include a second-round pick, along with a veteran player who could provide depth or fill a position of need for the Rams. The Cowboys would also have to consider Kupp’s contract and potential cap implications, but they are in a position to make such a move, particularly if they feel it would elevate their championship chances.