The Steelers and Chiefs may fight for five-time Pro Bowler wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins in a trade midseason. According to several reports, the veteran could be on the trading block after lacking targets behind one of the worst quarterbacks, Will Levis. The Titans were hoping that Hopkins would be a reliable asset on the receiving corps and has been excelling when healthy. Last season, he put up 75 catches for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns, still being one of the best wideouts of the game today.
However, the 2024 campaign has not been going well for the veteran after catching just one pass in the first two games of the season. Levis is having a hard time in separation and getting the ball to his best targets in the air. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Titans continue to lose, they will end up becoming sellers this year since Hopkins’s contract is up after this season. Ian Rapoport said if he continues to impress despite the Titans losing ball games after his week three performance then he could become a name to watch.
Hopkins is probably the dark horse in the list of wideout trade targets like Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, Darius Slayton and Cooper Kupp. He’s going to be a name that will pop up on everyone’s list near the trade deadline next month so that shouldn’t be a surprise. A change of scenery may be what he needs to play at his best with a team that has championship aspirations. If Hopkins can stay healthy, then teams should be able to inquire about his availability if the Titans are far away from earning a playoff spot.
Steelers, Chiefs May Fight For Five-Time Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins in Trade
Pittsburgh Looking for a Big Name
It’s no secret that the Steelers are still looking for a big-time playmaker, especially going into this year 4-0. This doesn’t hide the fact that George Pickens still needs help to catch those darts from Justin Fields. After failing to acquire Brandon Aiyuk this offseason, Pittsburgh should be the favorite to trade for any available receiver. However, they’re looking at Adams but Hopkins may be a better option considering he’s in his last year of contract.
Calvin Austin is surprising many on the Steelers lineup but they should acquire a veteran in time for the playoffs. They shouldn’t depend on a youthful wide receiver depth chart if they have aspirations to go all the way for a Super Bowl. Hopkins would probably want to come to Pittsburgh being that he’ll emerge as their No. 1 receiver to help Pickens.
Emergency Help for Mahomes
Hopkins has been a rumored name since last year after his time with the Cardinals. The Chiefs may once again look to trade for him since the team is moving on without Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice. Kansas City always finds a way to be a competitor despite their lack of receiving weapons. However, times are different since Travis Kelce is surprisingly underperforming and rookie Xavier Worthy is alone in the starting lineup.
The Chiefs still have Mecole Hardman, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Skyy Moore but they’re all in reserve roles. They’re expecting them to step up but Hopkins could see this as an opportunity to shine. He still doesn’t have a ring despite being one of the best receivers so this could interest him. The Chiefs have done it before trading for Kadarius Toney, leading them to a Super Bowl.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore tends to crumble under the weight of the lights. However, they have plenty of firepower already but it should motivate John Harbaugh to want more. They want Lamar Jackson to achieve greatness in the postseason but that only happens if they sign one more weapon like Hopkins to accommodate Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor.
New Orleans Saints
Hopkins will likely emerge as their No. 1 receiver to help Derek Carr if they’re having a winning season. The Saints are average after blowing out their first two opponents this season. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed need more help in separation so Hopkins could get involved in the offense to provide that.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers didn’t do a great job replacing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen this past offseason. This will probably be their last shot at getting a legitimate playmaker in time if they want Jim Harbaugh to return to the playoffs under Justin Herbert. They can rely on the run as much as they want but the real winners start with the quarterback throwing the football.
