What Rams trade rumors could mean for Puka Nacua – Deseret News

With the NFL trade deadline just two weeks away, trade rumors suggest a Los Angeles Rams wide receiver could move.

Multiple NFL insiders recently reported that the Rams are exploring a trade for former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp.

The Rams are currently 2-4 and at the bottom of the NFC West. This could lead to the Rams becoming sellers at the trade deadline.

A Kupp move would likely result in a larger role for Puka Nacua when he returns from injury.

Will the Rams trade Cooper Kupp?

Kupp will return from injury on Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings, but The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that the Rams have “called multiple teams about trading” Kupp. Russini said sources had confirmed it to her and her Athletic colleagues Michael Silver and Jourdan Rodrigue.

“The Rams have signaled their willingness to take on a portion of 24's salary and are looking for a second-round pick,” Russini wrote on X.

This isn't the first time Kupp's name has been mentioned in connection with the trade deadline. On Saturday, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that teams have been calling the Rams about acquiring Kupp.

“The 1-4 (now 2-4) Rams have not yet turned around 2025 and even considering a trade for Kupp would be complicated and multifaceted. But the interest from teams is there, thanks in part to some online speculation that has taken place since the start of the season,” Rapoport wrote.

What a potential Cooper Kupp transfer means for Puka Nacua

If the Rams trade their top wide receiver, second-year receiver Nacua could follow in his footsteps, and Nacua is no stranger to stepping up in Kupp's absence.

Kupp missed the first four weeks of last season with a hamstring injury, which opened the door for Nacua to shine as a rookie.

This season was less than ideal for Nacua as the former BYU receiver struggled with a knee injury. Nacua left the Rams' season opener with the injury. He “suffered a knee injury that he originally sustained in training camp,” the Deseret News previously reported.

The injury put him on IR, but his return to the football field could come soon. The Rams have designated Nacua to return from IR.