NFL Trade Rumors: DeAndre Hopkins to Chiefs? Rumors swirl around Cardinals WR after Mecole Hardman’s exit
DeAndre Hopkins has been linked to a number of NFL teams now that his time with the Cardinals is over. One of the rumored teams is the Chiefs, especially since wide receiver Mecole Hardman signed a one-year deal with the Jets this offseason. Hardman's departure leaves a hole in the Chiefs' wide receiver room, and Hopkins could be a possible replacement.
Senior NFL reporter Albert Breer was asked about Kansas City's interest in the Cardinals star. Breer noted that there's definite interest in the three-time All-Pro wideout.
Breer said:
"The Chiefs have shown interest in both Hopkins and Beckham. And they’ll add a receiver somewhere along the line (at least, one in the draft, probably regardless), to join Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore. Whether it’s one of the two names you presented here, I think, will come down to cost."
Breer also noted that the Chiefs have just $10 million in cap space, yet DeAndre Hopkins could take less money, if given the chance to get a Super Bowl ring, per the NFL senior reporter.
Breer added:
"Andy Reid has effectively turned the Chiefs into what the Patriots used to be—a place vets can go to chase rings and reestablish their market values, while working alongside a top coach and quarterback. If Beckham or Hopkins want that, the door’s open."
#Chiefs are interested in acquiring star receivers #Cardinals DeAndre Hopkins and free-agent Odell Beckham, according to @AlbertBreer
Chiefs currently have about $10 million in cap space.
brobible.com/sports/article… https://t.co/Vt6OBfmwCd
The Arizona Cardinals receiver is set to have a base salary of $19.45 million this upcoming season. He will also carry a cap hit of $30.75 million and a dead cap value of $22.6 million in 2023. Should a trade happen between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cardinals, it could cost the early draft pick in this year's NFL Draft.
The Cardinals asking price for DeAndre Hopkins
Breer was also asked about what the Cardinals are looking for in exchange for the five-time Pro Bowler.
Breer said:
"I don’t think it’ll be what they wanted initially. The ask had been a second-round pick and another asset."
When the 2023 season starts, DeAndre Hopkins will be in his 11th season in the NFL, but he hasn't played a full season since 2020. He led the Cardinals in yards (717), was second in receptions (64), and tied for second in touchdowns (three) last season.
What's impressive is that he played in just nine games for Arizona in the 2022 season. Time will tell where DeAndre Hopkins lands as a trade will likely happen this offseason.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Sports Illustrated and H/T Sportskeeda.