With Rams coach Sean McVay all but taking Cooper Kupp off the trade market, teams looking for big help for the receiver are now expected to turn to other targets.
The two receivers who have generated the most conversation so far are Carolina’s Diontae Johnson and Jacksonville’s Christian Kirk, league sources told ESPN.
It wouldn’t be a miracle to see at least one (and probably both) Johnson and Kirk traded up until the Nov. 5 NFL trade deadline, continuing an evolution of the wide receiver that is arguably the most sought after. and marketable place.
In his lifetime, three high-profile wide receivers have been traded: Davante Adams to the Jets, Amari Cooper to the Costes and DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs.
The Panthers have already received more than one question about Johnson, and sources imagine that Carolina is looking for a mid-draft pick for a player who this season, despite participating in a struggling offense, has 30 receptions for 357 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Some sources believe it’s just a matter of where Johnson ends up before the trade deadline. The Panthers (1-6) play games at Denver on Sunday and have already ruled out Johnson due to a rib shock.
Johnson is 28 years old and fit for $3.5 million for the remainder of the season, making him younger and cheaper than one of the top options you’re likely to have at big receiver.
Carolina will continue to hear deals as the trade deadline approaches, but there are some sources who believe that after a series of big receiver trades, Johnson is now the receiver who may move on.
Other teams are also looking at Kirk, whose performance this season in Jacksonville has fallen compared to previous seasons. If the Jaguars lose Sunday to Green Bay to fall to 2-6, they will be much more likely to be willing to entertain players like Kirk.
Kirk, 27, has 25 receptions for 320 yards and one touchdown this season, his third with the Jaguars.
The Jets will also be available to sell veteran wide receiver Mike Williams for the right price, according to league sources.
The teams that still need a receiver are the Steelers and Chargers, among others.
There was speculation about whether the Rams would be willing to trade for Kupp, but McVay did his best to close that conversation later in Thursday night’s win over the Vikings. McVay reiterated his stance on Kupp on Friday morning, announcing that a deal involving the former NFL offensive player of the past is “not a move we want to make.”
“He’s a Ram and we hope he stays that way,” McVay said.
