DeAndre Hopkins trade rumors: Browns, Jaguars among NFL teams eyeing Cardinals star
DeAndre Hopkins was one of the biggest trades of Texans head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien's career. Many agree that the move ultimately spelt doom for the coach and his team. Now, after a run with the Arizona Cardinals, the wide receiver is reportedly looking for a way out.
According to The Score's Jordan Schultz and John Gambadaro of Burns and Gambo via Sports Illustrated, the receiver is looking to either go east or west. If he goes east, he wants to play with Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson in Jacksonville. If he goes west, he wants to join the Los Angeles Chargers and Justin Herbert.
DeAndre Hopkins news and rumors: What do NFL teams need to cough up for Cardinals WR?
Per the NFL, when the receiver was traded away from the Texans to the Cardinals in 2020, Arizona sent over running back David Johnson, a second-round pick, and a fourth-round pick.
Where will the star Cardinals wide receiver play next season?
After being traded, Hopkins came off three straight seasons of 1000 or more yards and had five total seasons at that level heading into the trade.
Deandre Hopkins available for trade huh?
There’s a team that needs some WR help big time. https://t.co/4tgCQY6BFH
At 28, he was right in his prime as well, offering the potential for several more years of similar production. However, what would his price be if traded this offseason? While he produced another sensational year, earning 1407 yards and six touchdowns, his production slipped in subsequent years.
Allegedly the Arizona Cardinals plan to trade DeAndre Hopkins this offseason
#PMSLive https://t.co/bMDDVUf782
In 2021, DeAndre earned 572 yards and eight touchdowns in ten games. His availability over the course of the season was impacted by an injury, setting the stage for a gut check for any interested suitors. In other words, his availability in his 30s is a concern. However, in 2022 in his age 31 season, he played about as well as he had in any other year.
Hopkins was suspended for half of the year, but when he returned midway through the season, he earned 717 yards and three touchdowns. The touchdowns are low, but the loss of Kyler Murray could shoulder some of the blame for that as the offence took a dip without him as a whole.
Put simply, DeAndre Hopkins offers the chance for one or two more 1000+ yard seasons as a receiver at 31 years of age. After that, he could still be a solid second-string receiver for several years. That said, it is reported that he wants to discuss his contract with his next team as well, which could lower the draft capital price.
If he was traded for a starting running back and a second-round pick at 28, at 31, a multiple-pick package can be expected but one somewhat cheaper.
At soon to be 31, his longevity isn't as guaranteed as it was the last time around and the suspension also leaves some wondering if he won't get another.