“Steelers to Trade for Cooper Kupp?! Tomlin’s Desperate WR Gamble Divides the Steel City – Savior or Salary Cap Suicide?”
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly making a serious push to acquire Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, setting the Steel City ablaze with speculation. After a disappointing 2024 season plagued by inconsistent receiving play, head coach Mike Tomlin appears ready to make a bold move. But is Kupp, with his hefty contract and recent injury history, the right solution for the Steelers’ woes, or will this trade hamstring the team’s future and ignite a salary cap inferno?
Steelers Desperate for WR Help
The Steelers’ need for a reliable receiving threat opposite George Pickens is no secret34. After a disappointing 2024 season2, the team is “going all-in on bringing in an upgrade or two”2. Kupp, despite his age (32) and recent injury struggles2, represents a proven commodity with a track record of elite production2.
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: Kupp’s 2021 season, where he achieved the receiving triple crown2, remains fresh in the minds of NFL fans.
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: Kupp is known to be quarterback-friendly, making him a good target for Steelers QBs1.
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: Kupp’s willingness to work over the middle of the field fits well in the team’s offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme4.
: Injury History and Cap Implications
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: Kupp is “certainly lost a step while dealing with nagging ailments over the last handful of campaigns”2. He appeared in just 12 games in 2024 due to an ankle injury2.
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: Kupp is owed $20 million in 2025 and $19.85 million in 20267. His cap hit over the next two years could be over $57 million4.
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: Kupp’s perceived value around the league is a mid-round pick2.
Acquiring Kupp shouldn’t cost an “arm and a leg”2. A fourth-round pick seems to be the projected trade value4. The Steelers have the 52nd and 83rd picks in the second and third rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft3.
The Steelers have also been linked to other receivers via trade, including Deebo Samuel and Garrett Wilson5. They were interested in Brandon Aiyuk3.
: A Divided Steeler Nation
The prospect of Kupp joining the Steelers has split the fan base:
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: Some fans are excited about adding a proven receiver who could transform the Steelers’ offense.
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: Others worry about his age, injury history, and the potential salary cap implications.
: A Gamble That Could Define the Season
The Steelers’ pursuit of Cooper Kupp is a high-risk, high-reward proposition. If he can stay healthy and regain his elite form, he could transform the Steelers’ offense and propel them into contention. However, if his injuries persist or his performance declines, the trade could backfire and hamstring the team’s future.
Should the Steelers trade for Cooper Kupp, or are the risks too high? What kind of trade package would you be willing to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #Steelers #NFL #CooperKupp #SteelersNation
