PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in acquiring Cooper Kupp from the Los Angeles Rams, but those hopes could be fading. Following the Rams’ Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings, the team claims they plan to keep the All-Pro wideout, eliminating another trade option for Pittsburgh.

After the 30-20 victory over the Vikings in primetime, Rams head coach Sean McVay dropped an interesting nugget that has been circulating around the NFL world.

“I’m very happy to have Cooper Kupp back with us and I expect it to stay that way,” McVay said after the game.

The Steelers seemed like the favorite for Kupp, and basically every wide receiver on the trade market. After missing Brandon Aiyuk over the summer and then Davante Adams, Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins during the season, Pittsburgh is clearly the last team in dire need of a wide receiver.

Kupp finished his first game back from a high ankle sprain with five receptions for 51 yards. The Rams’ win puts them at 3-4 on the season with a shot at the NFC West in hand. With the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks struggling, Los Angeles is still very much alive in the division race.

If the Steelers’ chances are over with Kupp, they may be out of luck. With less than two weeks before the trade deadline, they will have to hope that another interesting trade candidate emerges. So far, the New York Giants could be the last option for Pittsburgh next to Darius Slayton.

If not, they’ll move on with Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin as George Pickens’ No. 2. Scotty Miller and Roman Wilson are also on the active roster, but neither has contributed much this season.

Don’t expect Kupp’s market to close completely, but McVay has certainly put a damper on those interested. With one more game before the deadline, however, the idea of ​​Kupp going to Pittsburgh isn’t dead yet.

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