As the Arizona Cardinals turn the page as an organization with plenty of uncertainty this offseason, the future of All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins remains up in the air.
NFL trade rumors about Hopkins surfaced at the beginning of the offseason, with owner Michael Bidwill reportedly pushing for the franchise to trade its best playmaker. While the decision will ultimately be left up to general manager Monti Ossenfort, NFL teams are already circling.
- DeAndre Hopkins career stats: 853 receptions, 11,298 receiving yards, 71 touchdowns
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Arizona is in an advantageous position if it decides to move Hopkins. Of the top NFL free agents, there is no player who any team would view as a No. 1 receiver. Furthermore, clubs looking toward the draft will see enough flaws among the top 2023 wide receiver prospects to at least have some pause in terms of who can truly make an immediate impact.
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All of this bodes well for Arizona. While the Houston Texans are willing to trade Brandin Cooks, he isn’t held in the same regard league-wide as Hopkins. Unsurprisingly, that seems to be shaping the asking price for a deal.
NFL reporter Mike Jurecki shared that multiple agents at the scouting combine indicated Arizona is seeking a second-round pick and a conditional selection in exchange for Hopkins.
Related: DeAndre Hopkins reportedly lost significant leverage in potential trade
It’s a reasonable asking price, especially when factoring in the conditional draft pick. Hopkins is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL when healthy, but availability has been an issue for him in recent seasons.
Hopkins served a suspension this past season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. In 2021, he played in only 10 games because he repeatedly battled soft-tissue injuries.
Related: NFL insider casts doubt on DeAndre Hopkins trade to New England Patriots
Heading into his age-31 season, Hopkins carries a $30.76 million cap hit in 2023. Even if he stayed healthy, that’s likely a figure no playoff contender would be comfortable with. While Hopkins no longer holds a no-trade clause, the likely necessity for a contract restructure would provide him with some wiggle room over what team he plays for next season.
If the Cardinals determine keeping Hopkins in 2023 isn’t viable, there will be a long list of suitors ready to acquire one of the best wide receivers over the last decade.