DeAndre Hopkins trade details, fantasy outlook and Chiefs depth chart update after blockbuster move
Somehow, the Kansas City Chiefs are unbeaten heading into Week 8 with a spotless 6-0 record. The Super Bowl champions are comfortably top of the AFC but have faced more than a few hiccups while racking up those wins. But it appears help is on the way after the franchise reportedly finalized a move to trade for DeAndre Hopkins.
With free agency acquisition Marquise "Hollywood" Brown yet to suit up and Rashee Rice on injured reserve (along with Xavier Worthy picking up a knock in the Week 7 win over the San Francisco 49ers) the Chiefs decided they had had enough of riding their luck when it comes to cruising along despite a growing list of players on the injury report.
As a result, Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins will now go from playing with Will Levis (and Mason Rudolph) to playing with arguably the best quarterback in the league this calendar year.
What Chiefs depth chart looks like after the DeAndre Hopkins trade
The Chiefs certainly chose an auspicious time to make the move and bring a five-time Pro Bowler on board.
The Chiefs were clearly short on resources in their receiving corps, especially after the Xavier Worthy injury. Hopkins, meanwhile, has been on a roster that has flattered to deceive. The franchise is 1-5 heading into Week 7 and despite initial optimism about sophomore quarterback Will Levis, they haven't shown much progress to convince fans of any sort of direction this year.
In any case, the Chiefs have probably wrapped up a best-case scenario given their troubles. In exchange for a conditional fourth-round pick (which could turn into a fifth-round pick), the Chiefs will get a 12-year veteran on the cheap. Hopkins has registered 15 receptions for 173 yards and a touchdown in six games so far in what is his second year in Tennessee. Hopkins, of course, has also played for the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans.
The Chiefs' depth chart will also see a shake-up with Hopkins in town. A lot of focus was placed on rookie speedster Xavier Worthy but Patrick Mahomes will now have a veteran option to rely on in the weeks ahead. Given JuJu Smith-Shuschter is already out of Week 8, this is also an opportune moment for the franchise to make the move.
DeAndre Hopkins' fantasy outlook for Week 8
Now this is where it gets interesting. The Chiefs will go up against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8 at the Allegiant Stadium but there's no aspect of urgency for Hopkins to get up to speed with the playbook.
The Raiders haven't exactly made a statement through seven weeks of football and with Aidan O'Connell also out injured, the franchise is clearly hurting. Mahomes can still rely on the running game and Travis Kelce to keep things ticking but Hopkins' addition is a big bonus.
Amari Cooper's debut with the Bills may not be the exact comparison to place here but Hopkins is a veteran and Mahomes has wrecked a lot more damage with fewer resources. He hasn't looked like the best quarterback in the league so far, but circumstances have also played their part.
If Hopkins is still on your waiver wire, we recommend adding him ASAP or moving to trade for the veteran WR given the Chiefs' schedule over the next six weeks.