Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger thinks trading for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is a great idea.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been named the favorites to trade for Los Angeles Rams All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason. Former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger believes that would be a great move.
“For the Pittsburgh Steelers side of it, I love it. I love the move,” Roethlisberger said on the latest episode of “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger.” “I think for the Steelers, it’s a great move, depending on what the Rams are asking. If they’re asking for something that’s outlandish, then don’t do it.”
Kupp, 31, is not the player he used to be and has had three straight seasons that have been impacted by injury. In 2023 and 2024, Kupp played in just 12 games while dealing with multiple ankle injuries and a hamstring issue. In 2022, he only played in nine games.
However, when healthy, Kupp has still proven to be a difference maker. Since being drafted by the Rams in 2017, he has amassed 634 catches for 7,776 yards and 57 touchdowns while also being named the Super Bowl LVI MVP and 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
That’s exactly the type of player Roethlisberger thinks the Steelers need opposite wide receiver George Pickens.
“I think he can come in here as a No. 2 with George,” Roethlisberger said. “He’s a veteran presence that can help maybe teach George how to be a pro wide receiver in the NFL. He also just automatically adds veteran leadership to your team because you don’t know what’s going to happen with Russ (Wilson). You don’t know if that veteran leadership is out.”
Kupp has two years remaining on his current contract. He’s owed $20 million in 2025 and $19.85 million in 2026, but the Rams are reportedly “willing to eat some of the money” to help facilitate a trade.
So while Kupp comes at a bit of a risk, other factors should be enticing for the wide receiver-needy Steelers. Roethlisberger is concerned Pittsburgh isn’t as enticing for Kupp, though.
“I think it’s a great move. He does what you want. He’s a hard worker. He’s a blocker. He’s going to give you everything he has. I think he can play in the cold,” Roethlisberger said. “For Cooper’s side of it, I wouldn’t want to come here because you don’t know what’s going on at quarterback. And as a receiver, you need the quarterback.”
It remains to be seen how much say Kupp will have in where he’s traded, but like Roethlisberger and many others believe, it’s at least worth the call.
