Why didn't Chiefs trade for Cooper Kupp? Exploring team's strategy after blockbuster DeAndre Hopkins move

The Kansas City Chiefs made a big move to bolster their offense on Wednesday. The Chiefs acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans for a fifth-round pick that can become a fourth.

Hopkins has struggled this season with the Titans, but he is a five-time Pro Bowler. However, there were rumors Kansas City was talking to the Los Angeles Rams to acquire Cooper Kupp, but that didn't come to fruition.

According to NFL insider Dianna Russini, the Chiefs weren't willing to take a large chunk of the salary of Kupp's deal as well as not wanting to give up high picks.

"The Rams and the Chiefs discussed Cooper Kupp, but the Super Bowl champs needed to trade with a team that was willing to take on a large chunk of the salary and didn’t want to give up high picks. Tennessee is the team willing to play ball," Russini wrote.

Those two reasons led Kansas City to turn its attention to Hopkins and acquire the receiver from the Titans.

Chiefs updated depth chart

DeAndre Hopkins fills a much-needed role with the Chiefs.

Following the trade for Hopkins, the Chiefs' updated receiver room is as follows:

1. Xavier Worthy
2. DeAndre Hopkins
3. JuJu Smith-Schuster
4. Justin Watson
5. Skyy Moore
6. Mecole Hardman

Suddenly, Kansas City's receiver room becomes much deeper and better with the acquisition of Hopkins.

Deandre Hopkins contract and salary: How much will the Chiefs pay the WR?

Kansas City acquired Hopkins - Source: Imagn

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired DeAndre Hopkins for a conditional fourth-round pick from the Tennessee Titans.

Hopkins is in the final year of his deal, as he has a base salary of $5.05 million. According to Sports Illustrated, the Titans are expected to pay half of the money remaining on the deal.

NFL reporter Matt Verderame then took to X to reveal further details on what the Chiefs will be paying Hopkins.

"DeAndre Hopkins has roughly $5.3 million left in prorated base salary this year. My understanding is the Titans are expected to take on half his salary to make the deal work with the Chiefs. Hopkins, 32, now goes to Kansas City and gets his best shot at a title," Verderame wrote.

Hopkins has recorded 15 receptions for 173 yards and a touchdown this season.