The Steelers' trade proposal brings the former Pro Bowl wide receiver to Pittsburgh

After sniffing out Brandon Aiyuk, Davante Adams, Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins, there's one more star wide receiver the Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to acquire: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

Kupp was reportedly made available by the Rams before the deadline, although it appears he may not be on the market following comments from head coach Sean McVay. However, it is also possible that McVay was just sending out a smokescreen.

Whatever the case may be, the Steelers should be interested in Kupp's services if he is indeed available. Logan Ulrich of NFL Trade Rumors has suggested a trade between the two teams that would send Kupp to Pittsburgh and a 2025 third-round pick and fellow receiver Calvin Austin to Los Angeles.

Kupp would be an interesting addition to the Steelers OC Arthur Smith's scheme. He is at his best in the middle of the field and Smith's offense has placed a heavy emphasis on the sideline this year, as both Fields and Wilson are not as adept at attacking the middle of the field for different reasons. But Kupp is an excellent blocker and has reliable hands, so there are ways he can fit in and contribute.

Given his age, injury history, and extensive contract, it's hard to imagine the Rams getting a third-and-1 for Kupp, especially considering players like Amari Cooper, Adams, and Hopkins have a third-and-conditional fifth fetched in the craft.

The Rams' best-case scenario in trading Kupp is a third-round pick, and perhaps they can get a player like Austin in return for a portion of the former Pro Bowler's salary.

However, the Steelers are likely to be interested in acquiring Kupp. He would be a huge improvement right away whether they use him in the slot or on the perimeter.

And with two years left on his contract, he's a possible long-term solution, although the fact that his contract is only $5 million guaranteed over the next two years means the Steelers can cut ties if it does doesn't work.