Adam Schefter, ESPN Senior Author
With Rams coach Sean McVay virtually yanking Cooper Kupp off the commerce market, groups in quest of huge receiver assist now are anticipated to show to different targets.
The 2 receivers who’ve generated probably the most dialog thus far are Carolina’s Diontae Johnson and Jacksonville’s Christian Kirk, league sources informed ESPN.
It would not be a shock to see a minimum of one in all — and presumably each — Johnson and Kirk traded by the NFL’s Nov. 5 commerce deadline, persevering with a development of huge receiver being probably the most in-demand and tradeable place.
Previously week, three high-profile huge receivers have been traded: Davante Adams to the Jets, Amari Cooper to the Payments and DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs.
Extra trades are anticipated.
The Panthers have already got obtained a number of inquiries on Johnson, and sources consider Carolina is searching for a midround draft decide in return for a participant who this season, regardless of enjoying in a struggling offense, has 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns.
Some sources consider it is solely a query of the place Johnson winds up earlier than the commerce deadline. The Panthers (1-6) play in Denver on Sunday and have already got dominated out Johnson due to a rib damage.
Johnson is 28 and resulting from make $3.5 million for the remainder of the season — making him each youthful and cheaper than a few of the different doubtlessly accessible huge receivers.
Carolina will proceed to take heed to presents because the commerce deadline approaches, however there are some sources who consider that, after a flurry of huge receiver trades, Johnson is now the receiver most probably to be moved.
Different groups are also eyeing Kirk, whose efficiency this season in Jacksonville has fallen off in comparison with previous seasons. Ought to the Jaguars lose Sunday to Inexperienced Bay to fall to 2-6, it would make it extra possible they’d be prepared to entertain presents for gamers comparable to Kirk.
Kirk, 27, has 25 receptions for 320 yards and one landing this season, his third with the Jaguars.
The Jets additionally could be open to buying and selling away veteran huge receiver Mike Williams for the fitting value, in line with league sources.
Groups nonetheless in want of a receiver are regarded as the Steelers and the Chargers, amongst others.
There had been hypothesis about whether or not the Rams could be prepared to commerce Kupp, however McVay did his greatest to close down that dialog after Thursday night time’s victory over the Vikings. McVay reiterated his stance on Kupp on Friday morning, saying a commerce involving the previous NFL Offensive Participant of the Yr is “not a transfer that we need to make.”
“He is a Ram, and we count on him to remain that manner,” McVay stated.
