The Pittsburgh Steelers don't have a lot of dynamic playmakers on offense, yet they've still navigated their way to a 5-2 record and an average of 34.5 points per game over the last two contests.
With Russell Wilson now cemented as the team's starting quarterback, the Steelers are a solid bet to try and improve the roster by adding a true No. 1 wide receiver on the outside.
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus suggested on Tuesday, Oct. 22, that said player could be Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams.
If Les Snead wanted to deal Kupp, Pittsburgh would be a perfect partner. The Steelers have generally struggled on offense in Arthur Smith’s first year calling plays, especially through the air. Pittsburgh ranks 13th in EPA per play, primarily to a receiving corps that sits 13th in receiving grade. Not having a viable No. 2 opposite George Pickens has certainly limited the group’s ceiling.
Omar Khan has searched for a complementary piece to Pickens over the last year, but has repeatedly struck out on big names like Brandon Aiyuk and [Davante] Adams. Maybe Kupp will finally be the answer.
That Pittsburgh was in on both Aiyuk this summer and Adams earlier this month indicates a continued desire to add a wideout. That AFC rivals the New York Jets traded for Adams and the Kansas City Chiefs secured DeAndre Hopkins are also signs that the Steelers probably need to level up at the position if they want to continue competing at the top of the conference.
Kupp, 31, led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs in 2021 but has battled injury issues since. He hauled in 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 but has missed the last five games due to an ankle issue.
Kupp is expected to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football, a game that will take place 12 days ahead of the league's November 5 trade deadline. He is currently signed to an $80 million contract that runs through 2026.
