Russell Wilson’s Personal QB Coach Thinks Cooper Kupp Would Be Ideal Fit with Steelers
Russell Wilson’s personal quarterback coach, Jake Heaps, has weighed in on the possibility of Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Cooper Kupp landing in Pittsburgh. He thinks Kupp would be an ideal pairing for Wilson.
“Cooper Kupp is NOT just a slot WR. When healthy Kupp is an elite ‘Z’ WR and chess piece. Can play all over the field, can win on the entire route tree and is great blocker in the run game. Ever watch Russ throw to Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett? Both elite ‘Z’ WRs. Not sure how realistic that potential trade is but he would be a great compliment to the great group they already have,” Heaps wrote on X.
With the Kansas City Chiefs trading for DeAndre Hopkins, the Steelers are now the favorites to Kupp at -125, according to SportsBettingAg. The Los Angeles Chargers (+400), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+600), Detroit Lions (+700) and Atlanta Falcons (16/1) follow the Steelers in the odds.
Cooper Kupp is NOT just a slot WR. When healthy Kupp is an elite ‘Z’ WR and chess piece. Can play all over the field, can win on the entire route tree and is great blocker in the run game.
Ever watch Russ throw to Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett? Both elite ‘Z’ WRs.
— Jake Heaps (@jtheaps9) October 23, 2024
The Rams have called multiple teams about trading the former Super Bowl MVP, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The Rams have indicated a willingness to take on some of the ‘24 salary and are seeking a second-round pick.
Kupp, 31, has recorded 585 receptions for 7,213 yards (12.3 average) and 52 touchdowns in 94 career games. Injuries have slowed him down in the last two years and this season, but he had a banner year in 2021, when he led the Rams to a Super Bowl title.
In 2021, Kupp caught 145 passes for 1,947 yards (13.4 average) and 16 touchdowns. He was named Super Bowl MVP after recording eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams’ 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Wilson’s 264 passing yards in Sunday night’s win over the New York Jets were the most by a quarterback in their first game with the Steelers in franchise history. He surpassed Earl Morrall’s 249 passing yards, which was set in 1957. Wilson is also the first quarterback to lead the Steelers to 30+ points in his starting debut with the team since QB starts were first tracked in 1950, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
In particular, Wilson shined in the play-action game. Wilson aligned under center on 41 of his 66 snaps in Sunday night’s win over the New York Jets, his highest under center rate in a game since 2016 (62.2%), according to Next Gen Stats. Wilson finished 8/9 for 150 yards on under center play-action dropbacks, the most such yards by a Steelers QB in the NGS era (since 2016).
As Heaps mentioned, Kupp is not just a slot guy. He’s a complete receiver. The comparison of Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett track, too. Wilson and Kupp could be an ideal pairing.
Read This Next
