While the Pittsburgh Steelers might not have much interest after acquiring WR DK Metcalf on Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams are planning on releasing WR Cooper Kupp after the start of the new league unless a trade materializes between now and Wednesday, [per ESPN’s Adam Schefter](https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1899224793137688984).
Given that Kupp’s availability has been known since February, it’s unlikely that a trade will happen between now and Wednesday. Kupp is coming off three injury-plagued seasons, playing just 31 games over the last three seasons. While he’s still productive when he’s on the field, a team likely also won’t want to take on Kupp’s contract, even if the Rams pay down part of it.
The Steelers could still look to add at receiver, and Kupp’s ability to play in the slot could be attractive to Pittsburgh. But the Steelers also have Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson who could function as primary slot receivers, while both George Pickens and DK Metcalf can be moved around to take advantage of matchups. Therefore, the team paying Kupp seems unlikely, and certain much less than likely than it may have seemed even a few days ago.
Still, with Kupp getting released, there could be a decent market for him for a team hoping he can stay healthy for a full season, or even a team willing to gamble that they can get 13-14 good games out of him. He’s still had over 700 yards each of the past three seasons, and he was an All-Pro in 2021, with 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns.
We’ll see if the Steelers, who [had interest in trading for Cooper Kupp during the season](https://steelersdepot.com/2024/11/glazer-steelers-called-rams-a-month-ago-for-cooper-kupp/), look to reach back out and make another significant wide receiver addition, but given his health concerns and the addition of Metcalf, it seems likely that Kupp won’t be wearing the Black and Gold next season.