Steelers Have Strong Possibility Of Signing All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp

Free agency has just begun and already the Pittsburgh Steelers are making big moves. They sent a second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for a two-time Pro Bowler, DK Metcalf, and signed him to a five-year, $150 million contract extension. Metcalf will be on the outside with George Pickens, who is going into his third NFL season with the Steelers. While Pittsburgh continues to navigate the complexities of their quarterback situation, with a definite long-term solution yet to arise, the team's strategic development of a strong wide receiver core is undeniably exciting. 

This offensive stockpile creates a compelling opportunity for the quarterbacks currently under consideration, as they would be joining a significantly enhanced team. The idea of leading an offense equipped with such talented wide receivers sweetens the deal.

The Los Angeles Rams recently made a significant move by releasing wide receiver Cooper Kupp, a player with an impressive resume that includes Super Bowl LVI MVP, the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year Award, and the rare achievement of receiving the Triple Crown. This creates a compelling opportunity for the Steelers. With the established presence of Metcalf and Pickens excelling on the outside, the addition of Kupp would strategically position him to operate effectively from the slot, creating a dynamic receiving corps. Couple with a steadily improving offensive line and the enticing quarterback opportunity, Kupp's arrival could potentially serve as the pivotal piece that unifies the Steelers' offense. Furthermore, his presence would undoubtedly enhance the appeal of the Steelers' quarterback position. 

Kupp's impressive career statistics provide compelling reasons for the Steelers to pursue his acquisition. With 57 career touchdowns and 7,776 receiving yards over eight seasons, Kupp's production speaks for itself. Notably, during his remarkable 2021 Triple Crown season, he achieved a staggering 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns. However, Kupp has faced significant injury challenges in recent years, resulting in 17 missed games over the past three seasons. Furthermore, the Rams' selection of Puka Nacua in the 2023 NFL Draft, who broke the rookie records at the time for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486), adds another layer to Kupp's situation. 

The Steelers Are Addressing Wide Receiver Gaps

This all leads us back to the Steelers. With an extremely questionable receiving room in 2024, Pittsburgh made sure to address their concerns early in the 2025 offseason. It started with Metcalf; next up could be Kupp according to Zach Bachar from Bleacher Report.

"If Pittsburgh is looking for a more consistent option next to Pickens, Kupp may be a candidate," said Bachar.

The Steelers' offensive scheme presents an ideal opportunity for Kupp to excel in the slot position, capitalizing on his proven ability to thrive in that role. With the team's receiving corps experiencing notable challenges during the previous season, the addition of Kupp would offer a significant chance to reinvigorate the offense. 

This potential acquisition also carries historical weight, as it comes nearly five years after the Steelers' departure from one of their most iconic wide receivers, Antonio Brown. The team's attempt to fill the void with Donte Moncrief proved disappointing for many fans, highlighting the ongoing struggle to replace Brown's impact. Since then, the wide receiver position has not consistantly been a strength for the Steelers, furthering the significance of Kupp's possible arrival. 

"Pittsburgh owned the sixth-worst passing attack among all teams in 2024. No Steelers player was able to reach 1,000 receiving yards, while George Pickens was the team's only wide receiver to surpass 600 yards," Bachar added.

As is the case in professional sports, financial considerations play a pivotal role in any player acquisition. Kupp, a player of his caliber, is expected to command a significant salary, which proved to be a major obstacle for the Rams. Their attempts to trade Kupp were unsuccessful, ultimately leading to his release. According to Spotrac, Kupp's market value is estimated at $11 million annually. While this financial commitment would not pose a substantial challenge for the Steelers, who currently possess ample cap space, the crucial question lies in their willingness to allocate such a significant amount. After recently signing Metcalf, the Steelers' front office must carefully weigh the strategic implications of further investing in their wide receiver corps. 

As with any potential player acquisition, the decision to pursue Kupp presents a complex scenario, with both advantages and disadvantages. While Kupp's proven track record suggests he could be the transformative element needed to revitalize the Steelers' offense, there are inherent risks to consider. The potential for Kupp to seamlessly integrate into the Steelers' system and elevate their passs game is undeniable. However, his recent injury history and the financial implications of his contract demand careful evaluation. 

Ultimately, the question remains: do you believe Kupp will ultimately find his way to the Steelers' roster? Let us know by sharing your insights, opinions, and predictions in the comment section below!

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