Should the Indianapolis Colts consider trading for DeAndre Hopkins?
There have been rumors that the Arizona Cardinals will deal with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins this offseason. Should the Indianapolis Colts, who could use some pass-catching help, pursue a trade for the former Pro Bowler?
Cardinals insider Mike Jurecki reported that the team could be looking for at least a second-round pick and a conditional pick in a deal for Hopkins.
According to a couple agents I’ve spoken with the Cardinals looking for at least a second round pick and a conditional pick for DeAndre Hopkins. These conversations are taking place at the combine. twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
The Colts currently own a second-round pick (36th overall), meaning they could make a realistic offer to Arizona.
Hopkins missed the first six games of last season as he served a suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy. He ended up playing nine games and finished with 64 catches, 717 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Due to injuries as well as the PED suspension, Hopkins failed to reach the 1,000-receiving yard mark in each of the past two seasons. Yet, he was undoubtedly one of the league's top receivers from 2014-2020, recording 695 receptions, 9,207 yards and 58 touchdowns. He earned a trip to the Pro Bowl five times during that span.
Would acquiring DeAndre Hopkins be a good move for the Indianapolis Colts?
Hopkins had a no-trade clause in his contract, but that was voided following his suspension. If it hadn't been voided and the Cardinals wind up placing him on the trade block, surely he'd choose to go to a Super Bowl contender rather than a rebuilding team like the Colts. But, of course, he doesn't have any leverage now.
Update: The no-trade clause on #Cardinals All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins contract has voided due to his 6-game PED suspension last year, per @corryjoel of CBS Sports.
Several teams inquired about Hopkins' availability before last season's trade deadline. This makes a trade easier. https://t.co/ShEBimDg5z
The 2022 Colts possessed a solid wide receiver group led by Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell and rookie Alec Pierce. They could still use Hopkins, though, as he would be quite an upgrade over all three players, especially if he can return to Pro Bowl form. Plus, the team could lose Campbell in free agency this offseason.
Would trading for Andre Hopkins be a smart decision for the Colts? The answer is no. He's under contract for two more years with guaranteed salaries of $19.4 million this coming season and $14.9 million for the 2024-25 campaign. He'll also turn 31 years old in June.
The Colts need to go the cheaper route and not give up draft picks for a player who has become injury-prone and is getting up there in age. They need to focus on rebuilding through the draft and collecting as much young talent as they can for the future.