With one of the league’s top defenses halfway through the 2024 season, the Denver Broncos can shift their attention to improving their offense at the trade deadline.
Although trading for a high-profile player like Pro Bowl wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Cooper Kupp could be costly, a potential deal with the Los Angeles Rams seems plausible. The Rams and Broncos may be exploring a trade for Kupp.
According to Fantasy Life’s Ian Hartitz, the Broncos are a possible destination for Kupp, and Heavy Sports has proposed a trade that includes sending quarterback Jarrett Stidham and a 2025 second-round pick to the Rams in exchange for Kupp.
Kupp, 31, has played only two games in 2024 and hasn’t completed a full season since his standout year in 2021 when he led the NFL with 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. That season culminated in a Super Bowl victory for the Rams. However, over the 2022 and 2023 seasons (21 games), he has caught 134 passes for 1,549 yards and 11 touchdowns. So far in 2024, Kupp has a stat line of 18 catches, 147 yards, and one touchdown.
The Rams are reportedly open to trading Kupp and are even willing to pay part of his remaining salary. Entering 2024, Kupp had a base salary of $15 million with a $29 million cap hit. He also has a $7.5 million roster bonus due in March. According to reports from The Athletic, the Rams are seeking a second-round pick in return for Kupp.
While the Rams have had discussions with other teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, a deal with the Broncos could work, especially if Denver clears cap space by trading Stidham. The Broncos currently have $4 million in cap space, with an additional $6 million potentially cleared by trading Stidham. Even without the Rams paying part of Kupp’s salary, Denver could afford the wide receiver.
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold noted that the Broncos need more draft capital, which could hinder a deal for Kupp. Still, trading Stidham would give the Broncos financial flexibility for the potential move, positioning them for a playoff push, especially if they win in Week 8.
