Ben Roethlisberger doubts that Cooper Kupp would be interested in a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While the Steelers are among the few playoff contenders yet to acquire a wide receiver, they’ve reportedly shown interest in Los Angeles Rams’ star Cooper Kupp. However, Roethlisberger recently shared on his *Footbahlin* podcast, following Pittsburgh’s Week 8 win over the New York Giants, that he doesn’t think a trade for Kupp would benefit either side.
Roethlisberger explained that Kupp likely wouldn’t want to join Pittsburgh, as his role would be reduced. “It’d be a dream come true, but I don’t see it happening,” he said. “Bringing a No. 1 receiver here doesn’t make sense. I don’t think Kupp would want to come here.”
He added that Kupp’s status as a primary receiver could suffer with the Steelers, which may dissuade him from joining. “We’ve played eight games so far; he’d be No. 4 on our team in receiving if he joined now. George Pickens has 35 catches; Kupp wouldn’t want to come here and only get a few receptions each game.”
Since his 2017 rookie season, Kupp has been one of the NFL’s top receivers, racking up 590 catches, 7,264 yards, and 53 touchdowns over 95 games. His standout 2021 season saw him lead the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, helping the Rams to a Super Bowl win. However, Kupp, 31, has struggled with injuries, appearing in only 21 games across 2022 and 2023, and just three games so far this season.
Although Kupp could be a high-profile player on the trade market, the Rams are still in the NFC West race at 3-4, making it unlikely they’ll part ways with him. The Steelers may continue to explore trade options, but a deal for Kupp appears improbable.
