ESPN's Dan Orlovsky named four NFL teams that should immediately contact the Los Angeles Rams regarding a potential trade for Cooper Kupp. The wide receiver revealed this week that the Rams plan to trade the Super Bowl LVI MVP, a decision that disappoints Kupp.
"I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships," Kupp wrote Monday in a social media post. "I don't agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA."
Orlovsky sees the Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos—and curiously, the San Francisco 49ers—as potential landing spots for the star wideout.
"If I were one of those four teams, I would be immediately calling," Orlovsky said on ESPN's Get Up. "... I think he's still a really good player. He's not going to be the 2021 Triple Crown winner, but very much so a high-end, at worst, number-two wide receiver."
Kupp could be a valuable addition to the 49ers' wide receiver corps. While San Francisco drafted Ricky Pearsall last year to join Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings, they committed to Brandon Aiyuk with a massive contract ahead of the 2024 season. However, Aiyuk's season-ending knee injury raises questions about his ability to contribute early in the 2025 season.
"San Francisco, what's Brandon Aiyuk's health coming off of his injury?" Orlovsky asked. "They only really have Pearsall and Jennings, two good players, but Cooper's immediately an upgrade. ... If I'm one of those four teams, I call."
Orlovsky's colleague, Dan Graziano, weighed in, saying, "I don't think they're going to trade him to San Francisco."
It seems unlikely. Despite the strong friendship between 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Rams head coach Sean McVay, their teams are fierce rivals and face each other twice each season. It's hard to imagine the Rams doing the 49ers any favors.
It's noteworthy that Kupp hasn't played a full season since 2021, when he was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year after leading the league with 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 16 receiving touchdowns. He has since missed 18 games.
H/t to Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports Bay Area for the find.
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