- The Cardinals could trade receiver DeAndre Hopkins this offseason.
- Hopkins’ cap hits the next two seasons could complicate a deal.
- The Patriots, Ravens and Bears could be interested.
Arizona has a new regime, with Monti Ossenfort being hired as the team’s general manager and a new head coach in Jonathan Gannon.
Part of the process when new front-office members join a club is evaluating the roster and making decisions on whether or not certain players are the right fit. This is taking place in Arizona with star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Ossenfort said recently he met with Hopkins and is “evaluating” his situation.
Hopkins’ name has been mentioned numerous times in trade rumors, and his new general manager didn’t say anything to indicate he’s sure to stay in Arizona.
It’s also worth noting Hopkins’ contract. He signed a two-year extension in 2020, bringing his deal through the 2024 season. If he’s traded, his new team would take on $19.45 million in cap space for 2023 and $14.915 million in cap space for 2024.
Lastly, it was reported this offseason that Hopkins no longer has a no-trade clause following his suspension in 2022.
With that in mind, here are three potential packages the Cardinals could consider for their star wide receiver.
DeAndre Hopkins Patriots Trade
Cardinals Recieve: Second-Round Pick (No. 46 overall)
Patriots Receive: DeAndre Hopkins
It’s pretty evident Bill Belichick loves himself some Hopkins (see below), and the Patriots do not have a true No. 1 receiver on their roster. The Patriots have over $37 million in cap space for 2023, so they could comfortably add Hopkins and still be able to make other moves.
Adding Hopkins to the mix would certainly improve a Patriots offense that was 16th in points per game (21.4) a year ago. Would the addition of Hopkins be enough to challenge Buffalo in the AFC East? Maybe not, but it would improve their chances of making the playoffs and make it well worth the second-round pick.
It is worth noting Patriots’ new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien traded Hopkins to Arizona from Houston. They may have some differences to settle, but both would likely be willing if it means having a better chance of winning.
Bill Belichick and DeAndre Hopkins level of mutual appreciation is 💯pic.twitter.com/EXK6BiMsaM
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 15, 2022
DeAndre Hopkins Ravens Trade
Cardinals Recieve: Third-Round Pick (No. 86 overall), Fourth-Round Pick (No. 124 overall)
Ravens Receive: DeAndre Hopkins
Baltimore doesn’t have a second-round pick and only has five picks total, but if they bring back Lamar Jackson, they will be looking to win now and won’t necessarily care about draft picks.
The Ravens’ biggest threat in the passing game has been tight end Mark Andrews for years. Adding Hopkins would benefit Jackson and Andrews since defenses would have another player to focus on.
The Ravens were 28th in the NFL in 2022 in passing yards per game (108.5). Adding Hopkins would undoubtedly change that.
DeAndre Hopkins Bears Trade
Cardinals Recieve: Second-Round Pick (No. 53 overall, from Ravens)
Bears Receive: DeAndre Hopkins
The Bears have the most cap space in the league entering this offseason at just over $100 million, so they certainly could afford Hopkins.
Chicago also would benefit from adding a true No. 1 option for Justin Fields. Another thing to consider for the Bears is that they are rebuilding, and Hopkins could be a nice fit for their locker room when it comes to building the right culture.
Hopkins may not truly love joining the Bears, but it wouldn’t necessarily be up to him since he no longer has a no-trade clause.
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