DeAndre Hopkins proposed trade packages: What do NFL teams like the Jaguars need to cough up for the Cardinals WR?
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is available, much to the chagrin of fans out in the desert. With Kliff Kingsbury gone, the organization is in the midst of a transition. The question is, how much would it cost to trade for Hopkins in this current market? Let's say the Jacksonville Jaguars are interested. How much do they cough up?
What is the trade value for DeAndre Hopkins?
One way we can briefly measure Hopkins' trade value is by looking at past deals for star wideouts. Consider the Stefon Diggs trade, in which the Buffalo Bills gave up a late first-round pick as well as fifth and sixth-round picks. They also surrendered a fourth- and seventh-rounder.
Another example was the Davante Adams trade to the Las Vegas Raiders. In that deal, they sent first- and second-round picks to the Green Bay Packers.
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…
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For DeAndre Hopkins, the truth will lie somewhere in the middle. Let's be frank: He's not worth a first- and second-round pick straight up like Adams was. It's been two years since Hopkins eclipsed the 1,000-receiving-yard mark as he's battled suspensions and injuries. This has diminished much of his trade value.
Why should the Jacksonville Jaguars trade for DeAndre Hopkins?
Despite the red flags, the Jaguars are a team that could benefit from the services of someone like Hopkins. General manager Trent Baalke has proven he'll do what it takes to field a winner. Money is not an issue for owner Shahid Khan, who wants to win at any cost.
They have already acquired Calvin Ridley, and he will be back next season. So pairing him with Hopkins would give quarterback Trevor Lawrence a lethal one-two punch.
I find it strange the #Cardinals are reportedly looking into trading @DeAndreHopkins without a head coach or general manager as of now.
*DeAndre Hopkins's best catch as an Arizona Cardinal*
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As it stands, the Jaguars own the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Keep in mind that this can change depending on how deep into the playoffs the team goes. Baalke also has a second-round pick, a third, and two fourth-round selections at his disposal. The latter gives Baalke some capital to work with.
Given everything that has been mentioned, the Jaguars have enough draft capital to acquire Hopkins. Their second-round pick, a fourth-round selection and another future mid-round pick should be enough to get a deal done. Anything more than that would be overkill.
Potential winners and losers from a DeAndre Hopkins trade
The biggest losers in any Hopkins scenario are the Cardinals and their fans. The fact that Kingsbury couldn't maximize his talents and assemble a fearsome offense with Kyler Murray at the helm was highly disappointing.
While they won't admit it, the Cardinals could be facing a rebuild very soon if they waste another year of Murray's potential. What's the use of having a franchise quarterback if you can't properly surround him with the right talent?
As for Hopkins, he's the clear winner in any trade scenario. Unless, of course, he's dealt to a bottom-feeder team. But let's say the Jaguars do pull it off. Hopkins is going to be a playoff contender. In a place like Jacksonville, Hopkins can get his career going again.
Let's face it, it's been a couple of years for the wide receiver. He can regain the All-Pro form from 2017–2019 that made DeAndre Hopkins a household name with the Jaguars, or any other playoff team for that matter.