Can Cooper Kupp solve AFC team's longtime WR problem?

The Los Angeles Rams are preparing to move on from Cooper Kupp, and one team might be particularly desperate to sign the veteran wide receiver if he becomes a free agent.

The Rams have been trying to find a trade suitor for Kupp. They are reportedly planning to release him on Wednesday if no deal materializes. Kupp would likely draw plenty of interest on the free-agent market, and it would be a surprise if some of it did not come from the New England Patriots.

No team in the NFL is in worse need of wide receiver help than the Patriots. They have not had a truly elite option in the passing game since Julian Edelman was last with the team in 2020. Drake Maye showed plenty of promise as a rookie last season, but the former No. 3 overall pick needs playmakers to throw to.

A healthy Kupp could certainly play that role in New England. Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reported on Tuesday that the 31-year-old is at least open to the idea of joining the Patriots.

"According to a league source, Kupp is curious about the prospect of playing in New England and has shared that curiosity with some close to him," Callahan wrote. "Kupp has personal and professional connections to Patriots, starting with ex-college teammate and fellow wideout Kendrick Bourne, who has repeatedly advocated for Kupp to come to New England on social media. The two remain friendly, sources say."

Callahan also noted that Patriots tight ends coach Thomas Brown was a former assistant head coach under Sean McVay in Los Angeles from 2020-22, so Kupp has a connection to Mike Vrabel's staff.

Kendrick Bourne is currently viewed as the top wide receiver on New England's roster. He had just 28 catches for 305 yards and a touchdown in 12 games last season. The Pats are hoping at least one of 2024 second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk or 2024 fourth-round pick Javon Baker makes a huge second-year leap, but there is no guarantee of that happening.

Kupp has battled a number of injuries, but he still had 67 catches for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games last season. He would immediately be the best receiver on the roster if he signed with the Patriots, and fans would be ecstatic to have him.