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The NFL trade deadline is less than two weeks away and the phone lines are lighting up in offices across the NFL. Well, most actually answer calls on their cell phones while driving to work or getting in and out of meetings, although I know a few decision makers who still love an old-fashioned landline. (Who doesn't?)

The reality is that the sizzle is much better than the steak as the deadline approaches, although there has been an uptick in business in recent years. It wasn't an earth-shattering increase, but there are more deals now than before. Last year, 15 trades were lost by the deadline, five more than the season before. Most teams look at their roster, identify expiring contracts, or figure out whose performance and salary don't match up. This is the time of “information gathering” when GMs also try to determine the value of players.

An NFL general manager shared his philosophy about the trade deadline: “You can’t get caught up in the emotions and the drama. There is a reason these steps are being taken. The core of your team is the core of your team, and very rarely does one additional member change your season.”

Most contending teams are on a mission to improve their strength, and in recent years some big names have done just that: the Vikings acquiring tight end TJ Hockenson, the Dolphins adding Bradley Chubb, the 49ers adding were traded for running back Christian McCaffrey, and the Bears got Montez Sweat and the Ravens got linebacker Roquan Smith.

As for the biggest name on the trading bloc this year…

Kupp was shopping – did Thursday change anything?

After Rams head coach Sean McVay beat the Minnesota Vikings 3-4 on Thursday night, he sounded like a man who would throw GM Les Snead's phone into the Pacific Ocean. This came after LA had multiple conversations with other teams about star wideout Cooper Kupp. While McVay said he's excited to have Kupp back on the field and he “expects it to stay that way,” would the Rams still consider a deal?

Ahead of the Rams' latest win, my colleague Michael Silver (who joined The Athletic just last week – I recommend his columns if you love storytelling and access to firsts) and I spoke with several league sources who were in talks with the Rams about A 31-year-old receiver led the trade with the Rams. The Chiefs (before the Hopkins trade), Bills and Steelers are among the teams that have either called LA or that LA has contacted to discuss a trade scenario.

The Rams toyed with paying a small portion of Kupp's salary to make the trade more palatable, but have informed most suitors that this is not an option. Just a reminder: Kupp is making $15 million this year and is scheduled to make $20 million next year, $5 million of which is already guaranteed. So if a team wants him, they would need at least $9 million in cap space to take on the contract (unless the Rams help). After a healthy Kupp looked like a reasonable version of himself on Thursday night, rest assured: If a team talks to the Rams about trading for him, the price has simply gone up significantly.

Read more here.