NFL Trade Rumors: Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon provides update on DeAndre Hopkins’ availability
The future of Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins is up in the air. After reports surfaced months ago that Hopkins was on the trade table, nothing has come to fruition yet.
The asking price has also dropped and changed. Initially thought to be a second-round pick plus a player for Hopkins' services, there are now reports that say that a fifth-round or sixth-round pick could get the deal done.
However, new head coach Jonathan Gannon has been quiet about the receiver's future...until now. Speaking with NFL Network's Steve Wyche at the Annual League Meeting, he issued an update.
Gannon said (via NFL.com):
“I’m operating that he’s a Cardinal right now. So, I’m looking forward to getting in the meeting room and on the field with him and seeing where it can go. I just know he’s an elite player. Being a defensive guy, I had to go up against him a couple times in the division. The challenges that he presents. I’m excited to get to work with him.”
So does that settle the matter? Not really, as right now gives the Cardinals wriggle room should a decent offer come in for the star receiver. But the fact that Gannon stated he is excited to work with Hopkins also suggests that the All-Pro receiver could remain in Arizona.
Where could DeAndre Hopkins play in 2023?
DeAndre Hopkins will likely have his fair share of suitors should the Cardinals put him on the trade table. The Dallas Cowboys were a potential landing spot, but have since acquired Brandin Cooks from the Houston Texans.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and the New England Patriots have also reportedly registered their interest in the All-Pro receiver.
So exactly where he will be playing in 2023 is tough to predict. If Gannon wants to keep Hopkins in Arizona, then there will likely be no acceptance of any trade deal from the Cardinals.
What the player wants will also need to be taken into consideration and given that Arizona isn't close to being a Super Bowl contender, Hopkins may want to look for a new team.
But for now, per Gannon's words, he's a Cardinal.