With Rams head coach Sean McVay firmly removing Cooper Kupp from trade discussions, NFL teams searching for wide receiver talent are turning to other options. Two names drawing the most interest are Carolina’s Diontae Johnson and Jacksonville’s Christian Kirk. Both players have been mentioned in trade conversations, and there’s speculation that at least one could be moved by the NFL’s trade deadline on Nov. 5. This trend reflects the high demand for wide receivers, which has been the most active position in recent trades.
In recent days, three prominent wide receivers have already been dealt: Davante Adams went to the Jets, Amari Cooper joined the Bills, and DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Chiefs. These trades indicate that teams are actively seeking to bolster their receiving corps to improve offensive performance. The market for wide receivers has intensified, making it likely that Johnson and Kirk will remain under close scrutiny, as teams are eager to add reliable playmakers to their rosters.
Carolina has received multiple trade inquiries about Johnson, who has managed 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns despite playing in a struggling offense. Johnson, sidelined with a rib injury, is seen as one of the most likely candidates to be moved before the deadline. At 28 and with a relatively low salary, he’s an attractive option for teams looking to add a capable receiver without incurring high costs. Carolina is reportedly open to offers and expects interest to increase as the deadline nears.
Jacksonville’s Christian Kirk is another receiver drawing attention. His current season has not matched his previous performances, with only 25 receptions for 320 yards and a single touchdown. If Jacksonville’s record slips further, a trade for Kirk may become more probable, especially if the Jaguars decide to shift focus toward long-term planning. Kirk, at 27, still has potential to be a valuable asset for a team in need of a reliable receiver, making him a potential target for interested buyers.
Despite speculation around Cooper Kupp, Rams coach Sean McVay has firmly stated that Kupp is off the market, reaffirming the Rams’ commitment to him after their recent victory over the Vikings. McVay’s comments suggest that the Rams plan to retain Kupp as a key piece of their offense, leaving teams like the Steelers, Chargers, and others to look elsewhere to fulfill their wide receiver needs.
