The Dallas Cowboys could improve their offense by trading for Cooper Kupp, though it might come at a steep cost.
The Cowboys have only a few days left before the NFL trade deadline on November 5, 2024. With Halloween just over, Dallas could still have some tricks left to enhance their roster through a trade.
One player to watch is Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp, who could provide another receiving option alongside CeeDee Lamb. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Rams are looking for a future second-round pick in return for Kupp.
Here’s a look at a possible scenario where Dallas considers trading a second-round pick for Kupp.
Rams Seeking a 2nd-Round Pick for Cooper Kupp: Insider Insight
In an October 30 interview on “The Ryen Russillo Podcast,” Breer revealed that the Rams received inquiries about Kupp’s availability. However, the Cowboys or other teams may not meet the Rams’ asking price given Kupp’s recent injury issues.
“They took calls on Cooper Kupp, and told teams it’d cost more than what Davante Adams cost the Jets,” Breer explained. “Davante Adams was a third that could become a second-round pick, so it’s likely a second-round pick for Kupp, at minimum.
“…For other teams, considering his age and injury history, it’s probably not worth that price.”
Dallas needs more offensive weapons to pair with Lamb. Their playoff chances are at risk, and they may need extra scoring to offset the defense’s struggles in 2024.
Could the Cowboys Trade for Cooper Kupp?
Kupp missed 13 games combined in the last two seasons leading into 2024 and has only played three games this year due to recurring injuries.
He hasn’t surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in three consecutive seasons, which, along with his injuries, may make Dallas hesitant.
Kupp’s contract is also costly. He has a three-year, $80 million deal through 2026, with a $29.7 million cap hit in 2024 and 2025. The Rams can opt out of Kupp’s contract this offseason but would incur a $22.2 million dead cap hit if they release him.
In 2023, Kupp recorded 59 catches for 737 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. This year, he has 23 receptions for 198 yards and two touchdowns in three games.
A Trade for Kupp Is ‘Highly Unlikely’ for the Cowboys
With these factors, Kupp doesn’t seem a likely option for Dallas unless the Rams adjust his contract. The Athletic’s Jon Machota called a potential trade for Kupp “highly unlikely.”
“Making a move before the Nov. 5 trade deadline could energize the Cowboys,” Machota wrote in a November 1 article. “But that seems unlikely. Dallas plans to rely on its young players and expects a boost from the return of injured players Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland, DeMarcus Lawrence, Brandin Cooks, and Marshawn Kneeland.”
