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Lions Instantly Linked to Star Who's Emerged in Trade Rumors

By Cem Yolbulan

Jan 30, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball during the Passing the Test event at the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge at Nicholson Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jan 30, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball during the Passing the Test event at the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge at Nicholson Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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The NBA isn't the only sports league giving us blockbuster trade news lately. Over the last week, the NFL had two All-Pro players officially hitting the trade block.

First, it was Myles Garrett who requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. Then, Cooper Kupp revealed that the Los Angeles Rams were actively shopping him.

Having arguably the best defensive player in the league and a solid starting WR available via a trade sent shockwaves through the league. Lions fans are understandably more focused on the possibility of acquiring Garrett, but Detroit has recently emerged as a potential landing spot for Kupp as well.

In his SportsCenter appearance on Tuesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Lions could get involved in trade talks surrounding the 31-year-old playmaker.

NFL Rumors: Lions Emerge as a Potential Cooper Kupp Destination

Fowler names a few teams, like the Steelers, Commanders, and the Patriots, before mentioning the Lions and the Chiefs as options. His words feel more like speculation than actual reporting. He adds the reasoning for his speculation: Kupp's connection with Jared Goff.

"And here are a few surprises for you: Detroit Lions. Jared Goff came in the league with Cooper Kupp. That’s instant chemistry."

- Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

Goff was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and spent the first five seasons of his career with the Rams before the big Matthew Stafford trade. Before Goff's second season in Los Angeles, the Rams drafted Kupp in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The two had excellent chemistry as Kupp emerged as a WR1 in no time, putting up a 1,000+ yard season and helping lead the Rams to two postseasons.

After Goff's departure, Kupp had the best season of his career in 2021, leading the league across all receiving stats and making the All-Pro first team. Now, with two more years left on his deal, the Rams want to move on from him and it makes sense that the Lions are linked to Goff's former teammate.

At the same time, the Lions don't have a desperate need for a wide receiver. Especially one that makes as much money as Kupp. Detroit could use a WR3 to replace or upgrade Tim Patrick, who is hitting free agency. However, whether that should be a declining veteran in his 30s or a younger pass-catcher with a higher upside is up for debate.

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