Florio: The Steelers will try to get a bargain with Rams WR Cooper Kupp

Here we go again. This year it seems like the Pittsburgh Steelers are involved in more trade rumors than ever before. They have been working on acquiring another wide receiver for months. First, it was Brandon Aiyuk. Then it was Davante Adams. Now it looks like they may be targeting Cooper Kupp from the Los Angeles Rams. Analyst Mike Florio believes the Steelers won't change their strategy with Kupp after failing to land Aiyuk or Adams.

“The Steelers intrigue me because they like to lurk,” Florio said on NBC’s Pro Football Talk on Wednesday. “They like to float. They are happy to stop by and grab a bargain. You will not move too quickly, no sudden movements.

“They don’t like to be seen as desperate in a situation like this. If it means they don't get the guy, then so be it. This is the best way to get a good deal. You act like you don’t want it.”

That sounds like the strategy the Steelers have used when it comes to trading for a receiver. Aiyuk was seemingly available all summer, and yet the Steelers stuck with their offer. They were never willing to significantly increase their offer to meet the needs of the San Francisco 49ers.

Adams was a slightly different situation because it felt like he was always trying to reunite with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but still, the Steelers weren't overly aggressive. In both cases, this attitude caused them to miss something, but based on what Florio says, it sounds like they're okay with it.

At this point, it will be interesting to see if that changes at all, with Kupp or another receiver. The Steelers may not want to appear desperate, but by now other teams need to know that they are desperate for an upgrade at receiver. The trade deadline is just weeks away and other dominoes are already starting to fall. The trade market for wideouts is slowly getting thinner.

The Rams reportedly want a second-round pick for Kupp, although that seems a bit high for a receiver on the wrong side of 30 and with a lengthy injury history. He would be an upgrade, but he might not be worth paying that price for. If the Steelers stick to their course, as Florio believes, they may be able to get Kupp at a bargain price. If not, your options will be very limited.