NFL Trade Rumors: DeAndre Hopkins breaks silence on Lamar Jackson recruiting him to Ravens
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been at the forefront of trade rumors for the last few months. Once it was known that the Cardinals would listen to trade offers for Hopkins, rumors circulated that multiple teams were interested in acquiring him. The most notable team on that list is the Baltimore Ravens.
At the time, Lamar Jackson was still a free agent and hadn't signed a long-term contract. It didn't make sense for Hopkins to join the Ravens when Jackson's future was up in the air.
But what about now? Baltimore has re-signed Jackson and added Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency. So, could Hopkins see himself as a Raven?
Hopkins had this to say about the rumors on a recent episode of the 'I Am Athlete' podcast:
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say, It would be an honor [if my career allows me] to play with a great guy and great quarterback like @Lj_era8."
All-Pro WR Deandre Hopkins on @IAMATHLETEpod regarding the rumors of Lamar Jackson wanting the #Ravens to acquire him:
“I’d be lying if i didn’t say, It would be a honor [if my career allows me] to play with a great guy and great quarterback like @Lj_era8."
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Whether or not the Ravens have the financial flexibility to acquire Hopkins is not known. The Ravens already have a lot of depth at the receiver position. Acquiring him might not be a high priority for the franchise.
What would a DeAndre Hopkins trade package look like?
Given Hopkins' playing ability, one might assume that any team interested in acquiring him will have to give up a lot in return. Well, that might not be the case.
According to various reports, the Cardinals' asking price for Hopkins is a fifth and sixth-round draft pick. If that is the going rate then surely a host of teams, which likely includes the Ravens, would be interested.
DeAndre Hopkins' contract could be a stumbling block. Despite his contract flexibility, Hopkins will make $19.45 million in base salary and have a cap hit of $30 million this upcoming season (via spotrac.com).
DeAndre Hopkins was asked on @IAMATHLETEpod which QBs he'd love to have throwing him the ball.
#Bills QB Josh Allen was quickly his first answer.
Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert rounded out his top-5.
https://t.co/gtepzf9JD4
Would he be open to restructuring his contract? He will likely need to if he wants to be traded to a contender.
For now, he is still a member of the Arizona Cardinals. But DeAndre Hopkins has his fair share of suitors. The Ravens might be the one team willing to take a chance.