David Reginek, Imagn Images

Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp informed the sports world that the organization is quickly looking to trade him on Monday. The former Super Bowl MVP has spent the last 8 seasons with the Rams, and with age and injuries becoming a concern, the Rams are looking to take away QB Matthew Stafford’s favorite target. Could the Lions be the landing spot for Jared Goff’s former teammate?

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler stated that the Lions are firmly in play for the star wideout. Kupp had a phenomenal season in 2021, becoming the player with the second-most receiving yards in a season (behind Megatron, of course). Since then, Kupp has dealt with several injuries that have kept him from having that same season-long production. This would make his value more of a mid-round pick. He could bring some veteran talent to the offense, along with some pre-built chemistry with Goff. The question is, should the Lions go get him with all the concerns on the defensive side of the ball?

Additionally, would the Lions even need him? WR Tim Patrick is set to become a free agent and made some clutch plays in the regular season. He filled in Josh Reynolds’ sure-handed wideout spot incredibly well, and should be a priority to bring back. Patrick would also be significantly cheaper. Kupp is expected to bring a $20 million cap hit for the team acquiring him, hindering Detroit’s spending power for the depleted defense should they become buyers on that side of the ball. The Rams did say that they could be persuaded to eat some of that money, so there’s some optimism there.

In short?

Pros: Goff gets a trusty weapon back from the west coast, the offense gets an upgrade at a well-filled position, the opposing defenses now have to worry about three star WRs.

Cons: Paying an aging and injury-prone WR a large sum of money is hard to swallow, especially for a team that already has a dynamic offense and an injury-filled defense.

In my opinion?

I think the Lions would be just fine without Kupp, but I would not be upset if they got him for a good deal. Sending LA a 3rd or 4th for Kupp with them helping pay on that massive contract would be the dream scenario. I would prefer Holmes and Campbell go after a star defensive player if they were going to spend big money.