Trade Proposal Sends Steelers Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp

Mike Tomlin Matthew Stafford Cooper Kupp

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Bleacher Report's Moe Moton proposed Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers acquire both quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp in a trade from the Los Angeles Rams.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made one of the biggest surprising moves of NFL free agency last offseason, adding both quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton argued the Steelers could form a new duo this offseason — Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp.

Moton proposed on the Steelers trade three 2025 draft picks — a second, fourth and fifth-rounder — for the Rams’ Super Bowl champions.

“Stafford, at this stage in his career with retirement looming, may not fetch a first-round pick. The Rams can add Kupp to the deal to get additional picks. though. They plan to move on from the wideout anyway,” wrote Moton.

“If that’s the case, the Steelers may be interested in a quick fix for their first-round exits over the last five years. They have struggled to establish stability at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season. Pittsburgh also needs help at wide receiver.

“Stafford and Kupp would be short-term fixes, but they’re worth the gamble for a playoff-caliber team. The Steelers can also add contract clauses to recoup money if Stafford retires within a year or two.”

Stafford led the Rams to a 10-6 record in 16 starts during the 2024 season. He completed 65.8% of his passes for 3,762 passing yards and 20 touchdowns with eight interceptions.

In 2023, Stafford earned a second Pro Bowl nomination.

Stafford won the Super Bowl with the Rams during the 2021 season. Kupp earned Super Bowl MVP in the title game.

Rams Make Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp Available in NFL Trade Market

Stafford and Kupp are the last key remaining pieces to the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl championship. But Los Angeles appears ready to move forward with its young defense the focal point of the franchise.

While appearing on The Rich Eisen Show on Feb. 21, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the Rams have given Stafford permission to discuss trade possibilities with other teams.

On Feb. 3, Kupp announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the Rams told him they will try to trade him this offseason.

It may be difficult for the Rams to deal both veterans to the same team. But if they did, the Steelers make sense because of their immediate needs at quarterback and receiver.

Could Steelers Land Matthew Stafford & Cooper Kupp?

Stafford and Kupp built a strong bond while playing the past four seasons together. Kupp’s best NFL season came in Stafford’s first year with the Rams in 2021. Kupp led the NFL with 145 catches, 1,947 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in that campaign.

Kupp capped off the campaign with eight receptions, 92 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the Super Bowl.

Landing Stafford and Kupp would improve two offensive positions for the Steelers. Pittsburgh could particularly use a better wide receiver to start opposite George Pickens.

The downside of a Stafford-Kupp trade for the Steelers, though, is that both players are aging veterans. Stafford turned 37 years old on Feb. 7, which makes him older than Wilson.

Stafford should be an upgrade over Wilson and Fields. But the question is whether he can help the Steelers beat the AFC’s elite quarterbacks in the playoffs.

Likewise, Kupp offers the Steelers an upgrade at his position. But Kupp turns 32 in June and hasn’t posted a 1,000-yard season since 2021.

If the Steelers are going to give up draft capital that could help them land their quarterback of the future, they need to ensure the rest of the roster is in place to compete for a Super Bowl immediately.