Desperation often leads to poor decisions. The Pittsburgh Steelers are desperate for help at the wide receiver position and they’re almost to a point where any warm body will do. Yesterday, former Super Bowl MVP and LA Rams’ wideout Cooper Kupp announced that the Rams were going to try and trade him as soon as possible. He was clearly not happy about their decision but also understands the NFL is a business.
Kupp was a potential target, or so we thought, for the Steelers leading up to the trade deadline this past season. Despite having just eight seasons under his belt, Kupp will turn 32 years old this June and there’s definitely some wear and tear on the tires. Over the past three seasons, Kupp has played in just 33 of a possible 54 games for LA.
Most of his recent injuries have been to the hamstring, knee and ankle. Not good for any football player but especially one who relies so heavily on his legs to get open and run after the catch. Kupp has 634 career receptions and 57 touchdowns but there’s no doubt the injury past is a concern.
What is undeniable is that Kupp would be just the type of guy Mike Tomlin would want in his wide receiver room. He’s an incredibly hard worker, he’s got a proven track record of success and he’s got little to lose as he closes in on the down-side of his career. But… Would Kupp even want to come to Pittsburgh?
Granted, he’s already got the Super Bowl ring and an MVP to go with it, but competitors like him often aren’t satisfied. I have a hard time seeing Kupp choosing to play for the Steelers for two reasons. First is that there is so much uncertainty at the quarterback position and second, Arthur Smith’s offense is definitely a ‘run first’ outfit.
If I’m Kupp, I never turn down a phone call, but at the same time, why not go to a contender? Furthermore, what kind of trade compensation the Rams ask for in return is completely uncertain. Will they find any takers and would Omar Khan even be interested in the first place? He should be but the way things have gone lately who the heck knows?