Trade Cooper Kupp? What Could Rams Gain in Draft Picks Haul?

The Los Angeles Rams may have undergone a major roster shakeup this offseason, but some of their star players still remain.

One of said star players is receiver Cooper Kupp, who had one of the best seasons by a receiver ever in 2021. While not quite as prolific in 2022, Kupp still had 75 receptions for 812 receptions and six touchdowns in nine games, being one of the bright spots for the offense.

Kupp is critical to the Rams' success, and the offense often runs through him. With the Rams entering a retool, though, there are those who believe they should've gone all the way and sent off all their stars, including Kupp.

Even now, the occasional trade proposal has the Rams trading the star receiver away for futures. Bleacher Report was the latest outlet to suggest such an idea, proposing a trade that would send Kupp to the Detroit Lions. In return, L.A. would receive a 2024 first-round pick, a 2024 third-round pick (via the Minnesota Vikings) and a 2025 third-round pick.

"The Detroit Lions could make their case for inclusion by acquiring one of the remaining superstars from the Rams team that won Super Bowl LVI... Offering the Rams additional draft capital to help with their rebuild while adding one of the most talented receivers in the game would help both franchises achieve their goals in their current timelines," Bleacher Report writes.

The value the Rams would get for Kupp is comparable to other recent trades involving star receivers. Last offseason saw a bevy of prominent receivers change teams via trade, including A.J. Brown, Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill. All three players fetched a first-round pick and a pick on Day 2 of the draft, plus three Day 3 picks in the case of Hill.

The extra draft capital would certainly help the Rams in this scenario. An extra first-rounder is always great, and the third-round picks could become very useful as well. After all, Kupp is a former third-round pick himself.

Ultimately, though, the Rams don't seem keen on shipping off their few remaining stars. The front office has remained firm in wanting to compete, with general manager Les Snead denying that the team is in a rebuild. Until that stance changes, it's difficult to imagine Kupp going anywhere.

You can follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News

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