After the New York Jets failed to sign star free agent receiver Odell Beckham Jr., an NFL insider believes the team could next pursue a different multi-time Pro Bowl wide receiver.
One of the biggest storylines this offseason has been the ongoing saga of the New York Jets trying to make a trade for four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. However, the team has still been active this offseason trying to cultivate more offensive weapons for Rodgers or whoever is the starting quarterback in 2023.
Related: NFL insider claims DeAndre Hopkins could soon be cut by Arizona Cardinals
They made a splash in NFL free agency by signing former Green Bay Packers receiver Allen Lazard and were reportedly very close to acquiring one-time New York Giants superstar Odell Beckham. However, while they were supposed to have a meeting with him, the three-time Pro Bowler instead chose to sign with the Baltimore Ravens.
Yet, the New York Jets may be far from done adding impact pieces for potential 2023 starting QB Aaron Rodgers. On Wednesday, Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer answered questions from NFL fans and one inquired about the Jets’ possible interest in Arizona Cardinals star DeAndre Hopkins, and Breer revealed that they probably would be.
New York Jets record (2022): 7-10, last place in AFC East
However, money would be a major factor in a potential partnership. New York allegedly was unwilling to pay Beckham Jr. $15 million per year, and Hopkins is set to make that much next season. If the price on Hopkins can come down he believes the Jets could be contenders as they go “all in” to get weapons around Rodgers.
“DeAndre Hopkins is due $15.09 million in cash this year, and $19.45 million in cash next year. He’s five months older than Beckham and he, like Beckham, has a lot of miles on his legs and a significant injury history, and it’s been a few years since he played a full season. So I get why they’d balk at paying Beckham $15 million for a year, and that’s exactly where Hopkins’s price tag is for 2022.
“That said … at some point if you get to a suitable price point, and if you’re pursuing a guy who can draw coverage open for Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Corey Davis, Breece Hall, and the rest of them, then it’s worth taking the swing. So if the Jets can get Hopkins to work with them on the money, I could certainly see this happening.”
– Albert Breer
Hopkins and his representatives have had trouble finding a trade partner due to the above reason. Some around the league believe Hopkins could end up getting cut by the Cardinals, and this might be the perfect scenario for the New York Jets to take advantage of to sign him this offseason.