Why Cooper Kupp's move to the 49ers makes sense for the Rams, according to NFL analyst – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

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The 49ers could be in the market for a veteran wide receiver and may need to look no further than their division for a potential trade target.

With the NFL's Nov. 5 trade deadline less than two weeks away, many expect San Francisco to look to sign another wide receiver after Brandon Aiyuk was sidelined with a knee injury in the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs had lost the season.

One wide receiver who could be available to the 49ers is Los Angeles Rams star Cooper Kupp, who Dianna Russini, Mike Silver and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reported on Tuesday in discussions with multiple teams, citing sources.

We know what you're thinking: The Rams would never trade Kupp to an NFC West division rival.

Even if the 49ers trade for Kupp is unlikely, ESPN's Seth Walder believes it makes sense for the Rams and would be their best option.

“The abundance of playmakers that the 49ers seemed to have in August has suddenly become thin. “Brandon Aiyuk is out for the season (torn ACL/CL), McCaffrey is still out and Deebo Samuel Sr. is dealing with a form of pneumonia,” Walder wrote. “Kupp, who is expected to return soon from an ankle injury, has managed 2.0 yards per route run since the start of 2023 and has had a long history of success under coach Sean McVay, so one would think that Kyle Shanahan would also get the best of it could get him out.

“If the Rams want to deal Kupp, the first place they should look is San Francisco; it is better to accept draft capital from the rival than from anyone else.”

Kupp likely won't come cheap, as the Rams are reportedly pursuing a second-round draft pick for the 31-year-old, who has missed more than four games this season with an ankle injury. He also has a multi-year contract with base salaries of $15 million, $12.5 million and $14.85 million over the next three seasons.

The seven-year veteran has been a thorn in the 49ers' side for years, and if the Rams are willing to trade Kupp to a division rival, San Francisco could make a serious attack on the former Pro Bowl selection.

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