McVay, nevertheless, all however slammed the door on a Kupp commerce earlier than the Nov. 5 deadline. Different AFC groups joined the Chiefs, nevertheless, in discussing Kupp. The Payments and Steelers engaged in talks with the Rams, based on The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
For Buffalo, this effort probably got here earlier than the crew agreed to accumulate Amari Cooper
from Cleveland. Whereas it could be fascinating if the Payments pursued each gamers, particularly because the Cooper commerce solely resulted in an $806K cap quantity hitting the perennial AFC East champions’ books, it appears logical the crew explored Kupp after which centered its commerce effort on Cooper. The Browns have been making ready to carry onto Cooper for a bit longer, however the Payments’ curiosity — as their post-Stefon Diggs receiver plan confirmed early cracks — proved aggressive sufficient the struggling AFC North membership moved on from the contract-year participant forward of Week 7.
The Steelers’ receiver want has been effectively chronicled, courting again to the draft. Pittsburgh joined Buffalo in exhibiting curiosity in
Deebo Samuel, because the 49ers mentioned each he and Brandon Aiyuk in trades. Aiyuk then grew to become Pittsburgh’s goal — to the purpose commerce framework was in place by August. The Steelers then noticed Aiyuk take away them from consideration by recommitting to the 49ers by way of a four-year, $120M deal. The now-Russell Wilson-quarterbacked crew was additionally in on
Davante Adams, solely to see the ex-Packers star desire to rejoin Aaron Rodgers with the Jets, who took on the latest Raider’s complete 2024 prorated wage — one thing different groups have been hesitant to do.
The Rams have been seen as keen to choose up a part of Kupp’s tab. It will price simply lower than $9M for a crew to accumulate Kupp this week, however with the Rams successful two straight the Kupp-Puka Nacua tandem making a big influence within the crew’s upset victory over the Vikings, the Rams standing down checks out. Kupp, 31, is signed for 2 extra seasons — on the three-year, $80.1M deal he inked months after his Tremendous Bowl MVP exhibiting — and could possibly be an offseason commerce candidate. Kupp would stand to constructed commerce worth by staying wholesome — one thing he has did not do since that stratospheric 2021 season — down the stretch.
With Kupp off the market and Adams, Cooper and Hopkins additionally dealt, the Steelers reside in an fascinating place. The receiver probably to be moved performed 5 seasons in Pittsburgh. The Panthers are anticipated to deal
Diontae Johnson, who had angled for a commerce out of Pittsburgh. It needs to be thought of unlikely the Steelers pay a mid-round decide to accumulate considered one of their former wideouts. Past Johnson, the likes of Mike Williams, Christian Kirk, Adam Thielen and Patriots vets Kendrick Bourne and Okay.J. Osborn are seen as commerce candidates.
It appears possible Steelers lastly pull the set off on a commerce. Though slot participant Calvin Austin has contributed 203 receiving yards to the trigger, not one of the Steelers’ different George Pickens sidekicks have cleared 80 yards by means of seven video games. With the crew at 5-2 and sporting a high-end defensive unit, a purchaser commerce to assist Wilson needs to be on the best way. However choices have dwindled for the reason that crew started this quest.
