We already know that Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the entire NFL offseason.
Clearly in rebuild mode, Arizona has no use for an aging wide receiver who is set to count a whopping $30.75 million against the 2023 NFL salary cap.
Unfortunately for the Cards, interest in Hopkins has been lukewarm. They were initially seeking a second-round pick and change for the three-time All-Pro. Right now, Hopkins’ market just isn’t up to that level.
In an attempt to help move thing along, Arizona has reportedly given Hopkins and his agents permission to seek out a trade with other teams.
“To try to facilitate something, I’m told Arizona has granted teams permission to talk to Hopkins and his agents,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer in DeAndre Hopkins situation.
The Dallas Cowboys’ trade for fellow Pro Bowl receiver Brandin Cooks earlier this month complicates things. While Hopkins has a better track record, Dallas gave up a fifth-round pick in 2023 and sixth rounder in 2024 for Cooks. Recent reports suggest that Arizona can expect a similar bounty for Hopkins.
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Issues as it relates to potential DeAndre Hopkins trade
There’s a number of different factors that come into play. In a vacuum, acquiring someone of Hopkins’ ilk would seem to be a no brainer for contending teams.
From 2014-20, Hopkins averaged a resounding 99 receptions for 1,315 yards in splitting time between the Houston Texans and Cardinals. It’s been downhill since. The former Clemson star has tallied a combined 106 receptions for 1,289 yards over the past two seasons.
Hopkins dealt with injuries during the 2021 campaign, missing seven games. He was then suspended to open the 2022 season after violating the NFL’s performance enhancing drug (PED) policy).
Set to enter his Age-31 season, there also has to be some concern that DeAndre Hopkins’ best years are behind him. Add in his current contract, and it’s not really a surprise that Hopkins’ trade market has been slow moving.
In addition to Dallas bringing in the aforementioned Cooks, the Cleveland Browns just recently acquired fellow wide receiver Elijah Moore. They are no longer in on Hopkins. The same thing can be said for a New England Patriots squad that was initially linked to the five-time Pro Bowler.
As the Cardinals face supply and demand issues relating to Hopkins, it made sense for them to grant him permission to seek a trade. This very well could expedite things.