The Chiefs had a Super Bowl MVP in their sights before adding DeAndre Hopkins.
Kansas City spoke with the Rams about newly available receiver Cooper Kupp before instead sending a conditional fourth-round pick to the Titans for Hopkins, according to The Athletic.
The Chiefs focused on Hopkins since they aimed to avoid relinquishing a high draft pick and also needed a partner to take on a “large chunk” of the player’s salary, per the report.
The Rams are seeking a second-round pick for Kupp, although they are open to paying down Kupp’s salary for the acquiring team, per a previous report by The Athletic.
Kansas City needed receiving help due to long-term injuries that will sideline Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster recently suffering a hamstring injury.
The team relied in Week 7 on Travis Kelce, who has not scored a touchdown this season, along with rookie first-round pick Xavier Worthy. The two combined for 36 receiving yards in the 28-18 win over the 49ers.
It thus adds up that the back-to-back champions checked in on Kupp, whose availability recently came to light while he nears a return.
With the Titans picking up some of Hopkins’ salary, per NFL Network, and the Rams reportedly willing to do so too, it appears the Chiefs preferred the cheaper option in terms of draft capital.
Both veteran receivers have struggled with injuries in recent years, but Kupp has been the more productive player when on the field.
Kupp, the Super Bowl 2022 MVP, has 18 catches for 147 yards and one touchdown spanning two games this year. He suffered a left ankle sprain in Week 2 that has sidelined him for five games.
Hopkins has 15 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown in six games, but those numbers come with Will Levis and Mason Rudolph throwing him passes.
He figures to be more effective working alongside Patrick Mahomes.
Kupp now remains the top available receiver and could make his return Thursday against the Vikings.
The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. ET.