The Arizona Cardinals are in a bit of a rebuild situation in the upcoming off-season. The team has parted ways with long-time GM Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Despite the staff and front office movement, the Cardinals have a long-term future with quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray signed a mega extension last year and is currently one of the faces of the franchise.
While Murray is locked up, the futures of a lot of other Cardinals are in doubt. The Cardinals have an astronomical number of pending free agents and have some hard decisions to make. Despite having numerous free agents, the team is tight in cap space. If they are to re-sign their young core (including Byron Murphy Jr. and Zach Allen, among others), some of the Cardinals’ older stars may need to be moved.
One of the names that has come up in trade rumors is DeAndre Hopkins. The former Houston Texans receiver was dealt to the Cardinals in 2020 and has been the heartbeat of the team’s air attack. However, Arizona is paying a hefty salary to him, and he is over the age of 30. As such, the team could look to trade Hopkins in 2023. Arizona would acquire some good draft capital, allowing them to get younger.
One issue is that the Cardinals would incur a huge dead cap from moving on from Hopkins. But, if the rebuild is expected to take longer than 2023, then they can save more cap for the future. There is also the concern that Hopkins has a no-trade clause, although it is rumored that he wants out of Arizona. With these things in mind, there is still a strong chance that Arizona hangs onto Murray’s favorite target.
Sources: #AZCardinals plan to try and trade All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins this offseason. DHop has 2 yrs and $34.36M left on his contract and is likely to seek a new deal. Owner Michael Bidwill plans to express this to GM candidates.
My story, via @theScore: https://t.co/xX8NHkULYH
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 10, 2023
Deandre Hopkins Potential Trade Destinations in the Offseason
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are in desperate need of a premier wide receiver. After Rashod Bateman’s second season-ending injury, the offense has struggled a lot more. Devin Duvernay established himself as a solid WR2, but he also suffered a season-ending injury. The injuries have meant that the Ravens are putting their Super Bowl hopes in the hands of Demarcus Robinson, Sammy Watkins, and James Proche.
Hopkins would be an immediate upgrade on the team’s receiving corps. He would also take pressure off Bateman and Duvernay next season. The former Clemson receiver would be Jackson’s first ‘elite’ receiver and would bolster Baltimore’s toothless 2022 passing offense.
The Ravens have enough draft capital to make the move happen. The question is whether they have enough cap space to pay Hopkins. Baltimore have extended Roquan Smith, but they have key pieces such as Patrick Queen, Marcus Peters, Calais Campbell and, of course, Lamar Jackson to extend.
New York Giants
For the New York Giants, acquiring Hopkins would be a dream. A few seasons ago, the team spent big on Kenny Golladay, but he underperformed vastly. Having traded Kadarius Toney to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Giants are in the market for a receiver this year.
Hopkins would provide the Giants with a safety net receiver. Whether it is Daniel Jones or another quarterback, Hopkins will help them greatly. The Giants have the necessary draft capital and cap space to make it work. However, the question might be whether Hopkins wants to go to the Giants. Without an established quarterback situation, it is hard to imagine the Giants being a top team next year. Hopkins’ no-trade clause gives him a lot of leverage in this situation, and, because of this, he will be able to pick which team he goes to (or if he goes at all).
Chicago Bears
Once the Cardinals hire a new GM, the #Bears should call immediately about DeAndre Hopkins.
He’s a bonafide WR1, they can easily afford him, and it should be cheaper than the Claypool trade given his contract and older age. Instant upgrade for the offense.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) January 10, 2023
The Chicago Bears are probably the favored destination for Hopkins right now. Justin Fields has shown that he can ball and a receiver like Hopkins would aid his development greatly. Hopkins, Chase Claypool, and Darnell Mooney would form a fantastic receiving corps for 2023. Added to this is the fact that the Bears have plenty of draft capital and cap space (though Hopkins will not incur a huge cap hit anyway, especially if they extend him immediately).
With Hopkins, the Bears offense would be elevated greatly. And even just his presence would take the pressure off Justin Fields’ legs and the 2023 running backs.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are a scary team. Even without a certified premier wideout, the team has looked dynamic this year. With Travis Kelce as their leading receiver, the Chiefs boast one of the NFL’s best offenses. The only way to improve it? Add an elite wide receiver.
We saw Mahomes’ production with Tyreek Hill. While he is playing at an MVP level even without Hill, there is no doubt that Mahomes would benefit from a tier-one receiver. Hopkins and Hill are very different receivers and Hopkins does not necessarily fit Kansas City’s blueprint. However, he can offer a complement to the likes of Mecole Hardman and Juju Smith-Schuster. What makes this even scarier is that, despite being one of the NFL’s top teams, the Chiefs have over $15 million in cap space (though they have some free agents) and enough draft capital to make the trade for DeAndre Hopkins.
Patrick Mahomes: PFF’s 2022 Most Valuable Player 🏆 pic.twitter.com/FqU38SIv8Y
— PFF (@PFF) January 12, 2023
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have had some great receivers in the past. Randy Moss, Julian Edelman, and Wes Welker are just a few that come to mind. Recently, the team has relied on Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, and Nelson Agholor. With a decent chunk of cap space and solid draft capital, the Patriots could be a good shout to trade for the star receiver.
We have seen how well young quarterbacks have developed with an elite premier wideout. Josh Allen was greatly aided by Stefon Diggs, Jalen Hurts with AJ Brown, and many more. By trading for Hopkins, it would be an investment in Mac Jones and an opportunity to help him develop. It is also safe to say that Bill Belichick is a fan…
The #Cardinals are reportedly looking to trade WR DeAndre Hopkins this offseason.
The #Patriots need a true #1 weapon for Mac Jones heading into year three…
“You know I do my job, man.” pic.twitter.com/sDnYwcGUFK
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) January 10, 2023
