The authorized tampering interval will start in a single month from tomorrow, which implies it’s prime time throughout the NFL media panorama for the rumor mill. The Pittsburgh Steelers determine to be proper in the course of most of the rumors given their want for each a quarterback and a large receiver. These two positions occur to have loads of buzz-worthy choices available on the market this time round. One of many newest is Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp, who was just lately knowledgeable that he could be traded this offseason.
In accordance with Adam Schefter, individuals inside the league are viewing this case to be much like one other receiver this time final yr, together with attainable commerce compensation to accumulate him.
“The fascinating half right here is that there’s some huge cash concerned,” Schefter mentioned by way of ESPN’s Postseason NFL Countdown. “…The Rams are keen to pay a few of that cash. I believe whenever you communicate to individuals within the league, they see Keenan Allen go final yr for a fourth-round choose they usually imagine that Cooper Kupp is in an identical state of affairs.”
In Allen’s state of affairs, he was due $18.1 million in base wage with a $5 million roster bonus. The Bears ended up taking over the complete $23.1 million contract for the 2024 season, however solely wanted to surrender a fourth-round choose to pry him away from the Los Angeles Chargers.
The place there’s a will, there’s normally a manner, however our Dave Bryan broke down final week why it may be crucial to separate a number of the wage with the Rams so as to make a attainable commerce for Kupp work. Kupp is due a base wage of $12.5 million in 2025 together with a $7.5 million roster bonus. That will imply a $20 million money and cap cost for the Steelers in the event that they took on the complete quantity with out the Rams splitting the invoice.
In the event that they do find yourself splitting a number of the cash with the Rams, the draft choose compensation would possibly must go up a bit. Would the Steelers be snug parting methods with a third-round choose to make it occur if the Rams tackle a number of the wage? To me, that doesn’t make a ton of sense for a receiver quickly to show 32 years outdated.
All of that can come all the way down to the variety of groups and who’s keen to tackle essentially the most quantity of Cooper Kupp’s contract whereas giving up essentially the most draft capital. If the Steelers aren’t keen to beat out the competitors, then that is all a moot level.
