By james art After Rams coach Sean McVay effectively took Cooper Kupp off the trade market, teams looking for wide receiver help are expected to turn to other targets.
The two receivers who have generated the most talk so far are Carolina’s Dionte Johnson and Jacksonville’s Christian Kirk, league sources told ESPN.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see at least one — and possibly both — of Johnson and Kirk traded by the Nov. 5 NFL trade deadline, continuing the trend of wide receiver being the most sought-after and tradable position.
Three high-profile wide receivers were traded this past week: Davante Adams to the Jets, Amari Cooper to the Bills and DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs.
More deals are expected.
The Panthers have already received multiple inquiries about Johnson, and sources believe Carolina is looking for a mid-draft pick in exchange for a player who this season, despite playing in a struggling offense, has 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns.
Some sources believe it’s just about where Johnson ends up before the trade deadline. The Panthers (1-6) play at Denver on Sunday and have already ruled Johnson out with a rib injury.
Johnson is 28 and due to make $3.5 million through the season — making him both younger and cheaper than some of the other wide receivers potentially available.
Carolina will continue to listen to offers as the trade deadline nears, but there are some sources who believe that after a flurry of wide trades, Johnson is now the receiver most likely to be moved.
Other teams are also looking at Kirk, whose performance this season in Jacksonville has deteriorated compared to past seasons. If the Jaguars lose Sunday at Green Bay and fall to 2-6, it could make it more likely that they would be willing to accept offers for players like Kirk.
Kirk, 27, has 25 receptions for 320 yards and one touchdown this season, his third with the Jaguars.
The Jets would also be open to trading veteran wide receiver Mike Williams for the right price, according to league sources.
Teams still in need of a receiver are believed to be the Steelers and Chargers, among others.
There has been speculation about whether the Rams would be willing to trade Kupp, but McVay did his best to put that talk to rest after Thursday night’s win over the Vikings. McVay reiterated his stance on Kupp on Friday morning, saying a deal involving the former NFL Offensive Player of the Year is “not a move we want to make.”
“He’s a batter and we expect him to stay that way,” McVay said.
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