The Cowboys or Chargers may steal the Titans’ trade candidate wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins this season. It’s becoming more imminent every week that Tennessee will unload plenty of talent including Hopkins after suffering another loss. The offense isn’t getting any better with Will Levis as the team’s quarterback but they’re not planning to bench him despite being 1-4. The 32-year-old is in the final stage of his prime but he could become one of the most premiere receivers in the league again this year with the right roster.
He’s the type of piece to bolster any offense that has a strong chance in postseason contention after hauling in 14 receptions for 175 yards and one touchdown. However, sources continue to link him to potential new suitors like the Packers and Lions who have a legitimate roster to make a deep playoff push. They both have superstar-caliber talent but it would make sense for Tennessee to explore their options first for their own sake of a good deal. Hopkins is getting on the older side but things may line up perfectly since they’ll probably push to trade for him just for a postseason push and let him hit the 2025 free-agent market.
However, teams like the Cowboys and Chargers who have one of the worst offensive receivers in the league should look to bolster their roster with someone like Hopkins.
Cowboys, Chargers May Steal Titans Trade Candidate DeAndre Hopkins
Superstar Life Support
The Cowboys probably have one of the worst offenses in recent memory despite extending CeeDee Lamb this season. Dallas’ offense is becoming too predictable for explosive defenses like the Lions who anticipate Dak Prescott’s favorite targets. This is why Detroit came into Dallas’ home and obliterated them since they couldn’t get any momentum in the passing game. Jalen Tolbert is still learning as a full-time role so it doesn’t make much sense he’s getting most of the touches.
However, Dallas doesn’t have a choice since losing Brandin Cooks to injury. Jerry Jones continues to put this team behind and probably won’t improve this roster but a Hopkins trade may be what they need to help Lamb. Otherwise, the Cowboys should anticipate Lamb to receive double coverage. Hopkins is no stranger to new teams so he could adjust to the team fairly quickly to accommodate Lamb to create some separation in the passing game.
Emergency Help for Justin Herbert
It was an ugly win for the Chargers after losing Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and head coach Jim Harbaugh in one singular game. Luckily, Johnston and Harbaugh came back but one has to wonder if the team will continue to improve the passing game for Justin Herbert. He can’t thrive if he doesn’t have a consistent receiver other than McConkey but a Hopkins trade should be a fine consolation prize. The passing attack is already bad enough that Herbert depended on running back Kimani Vidal for a touchdown pass.
Herbert doesn’t have anyone who has playoff experience and Hopkins could easily become their new No. 1 receiver. He may not be the same player anymore but it’s better than what Harbaugh provided in replacements for Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
In 2023, the Chiefs wanted Hopkins but now they could finally get their wish this year. Kansas City came into this offseason with Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy as their lineup. However, after losing both Brown and Rice, they’re relying on Worthy and a couple of reserve players like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore. Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been the same but a Hopkins trade would be a no-brainer change in his production.
New Orleans Saints
Spencer Rattler was on a hot streak but the offense didn’t get any momentum to finish after losing to Tampa Bay in a near blowout. To no fault of his own, this is why he needs a better-supporting cast to throw to. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are both solid options but they have championship experience to help Rattler to learn from. Dennis Allen must understand that this isn’t Derek Carr’s team right now so trading for someone like Hopkins could easily be a fine veteran to tune their receiving corps.
