Chargers bag former Pro Bowl WR in enticing trade idea

The Los Angeles Chargers need to find a way to put more weapons around Justin Herbert this offseason, and a huge opportunity may be presenting itself for them: Cooper Kupp.

The Los Angeles Rams will be working to trade Kupp this offseason, and the Chargers are already being labeled one of the top potential destinations for the former Pro Bowler.

It's not surprising given the Bolts' need for another wide receiver and their wealth of cap space heading into the offseason.

Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport has concocted some potential trade packages for Kupp, and in one of his ideas, he has the Chargers sending fourth and sixth-round draft picks to the Rams in exchange for the 31-year-old.

"The Chargers could use a reliable second wide receiver to pair with rookie standout Ladd McConkey," Davenport wrote. "After making the postseason in 2024, the Bolts are in "win-now" mode. With $63.4 million in cap space, the Chargers can afford to absorb Kupp's salary."

Davenport added that Kupp may prefer a trade to Jim Harbaugh's club because he wouldn't have to move, as both the Rams and the Chargers play in Los Angeles.

Not a bad setup for Kupp, who caught 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games this past season.

Here's the thing, though: while the Bolts can absolutely absorb Kupp's contract, the question is, would they want to?

Kupp is slated to make $12.5 million in base salary next season and then $14.9 million in 2026. He carries cap hits in the neighborhood of $30 million both years.

Taking into account that Kupp is clearly declining and has appeared in just 33 contests since 2022, you have to wonder if that would be the most economical use of resources for the Chargers.

Of course, the Bolts could always renegotiate Kupp's contract as part of the deal.

We'll see if the Chargers do make a serious push for Kupp when the offseason begins.

Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp. — Dec 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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