The Kansas City Chiefs are unbeaten, but they are far from unblemished. Patrick Mahomes has more interceptions than touchdown passes this season, and the Chiefs' lackluster Matt Nagy-led offense has often been bailed out by some stellar defensive showings. The wide receiver room is the main culprit for these struggles.
The receivers were questionable before the season started, but injuries to Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice, and JuJu Smith-Schuster have Kansas City looking for warm bodies to fill out the roster. Rookie Xavier Worthy and Justin Watson are currently two of Mahomes' top targets.
The idea of trading for a veteran is still worth exploring. While the Chiefs have been connected to some of the more intriguing names out there, the Los Angeles Rams might be willing to hand them an absolute godsend of a pick-me-up if they go through with trading former All-Pro Cooper Kupp.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Rams are considering unloading Kupp, even willing to eat a good chunk of the money still owed to him if they can get a second-round pick in exchange. Even with how Kansas City has been operating in the last few weeks, adding Kupp seems like a possible grand slam for Brett Veach.
The Rams have called multiple teams about trading former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp sources tell @mikesilver, @jourdanrodrigue, and me.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 22, 2024
The Rams have indicated a willingness to take on some of the ‘24 salary and are seeking a 2nd round pick.
Chiefs could trade for Rams WR Cooper Kupp after latest rumors
There are some reasons not to get too hyped up about this pairing. Nate Taylor of The Athletic has hinted that Kansas City isn't looking for veterans older than 30 in the trade market. He even examined the Rams as a trade partner and listed former Chief Demarcus Robinson as a more likely target,
Even if the Chiefs get Kupp, they will add an older player who never had great speed at his peak. When combined with his injury history, the optimism might die down just a bit. However, moving to a Mahomes-led offense could be what Kupp needs to get back on track.
A second-round pick shouldn't concern the Chiefs, especially when they likely need to fend of challenges from a much deeper and more skilled AFC. Kupp, even in his limited state, would be the best receiver on the Chiefs and a weapon other defenses will need to plan around.
Kupp won't lead the league in catches, but he has flypaper hands and smooth route-running. Both of those traits will help him appeal to Mahomes. Can he do the same to Veach and the front office?