Texans Gifted Clear WR Trade Target After Star Put on Open Market

Monday was quite a busy day for trade speculation around the NFL. Hours after Cleveland Browns superstar defender Myles Garrett demanded a trade, former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp revealed that the Los Angeles Rams are looking to move him this offseason.

"I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships," Kupp wrote in a social media post. "I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in L.A."

Wide receivers as talented as Kupp are rarely available for a trade. As a result, the Texans must contact the Rams about a possible offseason deal.

Texans Must Trade for Rams WR Cooper Kupp

It isn't a secret that the Texans' passing game could use a boost.

After averaging an impressive 245.5 passing yards per game in 2023 (7th), Houston's aerial production dipped to an average of 207.4 yards per game last season (21st). It didn't help that offseason acquisition and four-time Pro Bowl WR Stefon Diggs' campaign prematurely ended in October due to an ACL tear.

Diggs is hitting free agency in March, though, leaving Nico Collins and Tank Dell as the Texans' only real receiving threats. Having said that, trading for Kupp would immediately improve this situation.

Kupp, 31, was once the NFL's best receiver, proven by his 2019 Offensive Player of the Year performance that saw him pace the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and touchdowns (16). While age has forced him to trend downhill since then, he was still solid last year by posting a 67-710-6 state line in 12 appearances with the Rams.

Had he remained healthy, the former Eastern Washington playmaker was on pace for over 1,000 yards and nine TDs, proving that he could be a reliable WR2/3 for the Texans.

A trade to Houston also makes sense since Kupp is more than familiar with newly hired offensive coordinator Nick Caley, who was the Rams' passing game coordinator in 2024.

Kupp is under contract for $29.7 million next season and $27.3 million in 2026, which is a fair value if he can remain healthy. The Texans only have about $1.8 million to spend this offseason, however, that number can easily be expanded with trades, buyouts, and contract restructures.

It remains to be seen what it'd take to land Kupp. The former All-Pro WR is in his 30s and has missed an average of six games in the last three seasons, meaning the Texans might be able to pay a lower price than usual — perhaps a Day 2 draft pick or two.

At the end of the day, Kupp is the type of player who could finally help the Texans go on a deep playoff run. For now, fans must wait and watch for any potential developments as NFL teams can't begin trading until Wednesday, March 12.