The Arizona Cardinals are all but certain to trade star receiver DeAndre Hopkins. But which teams will most likely try to trade for him?
The Arizona Cardinals will seek to shop DeAndre Hopkins this spring. With a no-trade clause in place, Hopkins will have a say in where he ends up. Odds are, he will go to a team figuring to contend, or someone who believes they will contend if they acquire his services.
Below are five teams likely to trade for Hopkins, and he could immediately push all five into contender status. This list is written in no particular order, so the number five team on this list carries no less weight than the number one team.
1 – Green Bay Packers
If the Packers want Aaron Rodgers to stay for another season and contend for a Super Bowl, expect them to make a run at Hopkins. Last season, Allen Lazard was the team’s top receiver, where he hauled in 60 receptions, 788 yards, and 6 touchdowns.
Not bad numbers, but he is nowhere near a legitimate WR1. If the Packers land Hopkins, not only will the star receiver team up well with Rodgers, but his presence will open things up for Green Bay’s pass catchers.
2 – New England Patriots
In 2007, the Patriots pulled off a blockbuster trade for Randy Moss, went 18-0, ad earned a trip to the Super Bowl. Not that Hopkins would turn this team into a legitimate Super Bowl contender overnight like Moss did, but he would add another dynamic chess piece for quarterback Mac Jones, who struggled in 2022.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, trading for Hopkins could immediately put the Patriots back in contention for the AFC East, with only the Buffalo Bills standing in their way. Expect Bill Belichick to at least inquire.
3 – Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have two options: Either a), trade for or acquire a star receiver, or b), keep forcing quarterback Lamar Jackson to improvise and keep watching him land on IR. For two years now, the Ravens have seen their star quarterback get banged up simply because he has hardly anyone next to tight end Mark Andrews to throw to. While he winds up running to create something out of nothing, injuries are taking their toll on the fifth-year quarterback.
Sure, current Arizona Cardinals receiver Marquise Brown was a good find, but now that he’s gone, Baltimore might want to talk to the Redbirds again. This time to inquire trading their first round pick and then some for Hopkins.
4 – Dallas Cowboys
A lot of fans will scoff at this one, but let me ask you a question: Do you think Jerry Jones is going to turn his nose up at the potential of adding DeAndre Hopkins? Never in a million years would he not consider the star receiver wearing a star on his helmet.
Not that the Cowboys would pull of a trade for Hopkins, but Jones will make several offers to his team’s former division rival. They were also in the thick of the Odell Beckham Jr. sweepstakes this season, so you know they will be looking for established receivers when the new league year begins.
5 – New York Giants
The New York Giants will also be looking to upgrade their pass catching unit. This was a team we all thought would take some time to build, but now that they’re in the playoffs, look for them to add established talent to their roster.
Receiver is their biggest need among offensive skill positions, as no wideout on the roster had over 57 catches or 724 receiving yards. Adding Hopkins to the mix will change that tune immediately.
Don’t count out: Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears
There are two more times that are also likely to call up the Arizona Cardinals: The Las Vegas Raiders and the Chicago Bears. Like Jerry Jones, Raiders owner Mark Davis will be inquiring, despite the presence of Davante Adams and Darren Waller.
While it would be an absolute mystery of how Davis and Company would afford Hopkins, Davis is the one owner next to Jones most likely to find a way. Another team is the Chicago Bears, but it would be tough to see them giving up the first overall pick for a 30-year-old.
The Bears are a longshot, but remember that this time last year, the lowly New York Jets were finalists in the Tyreek Hill sweepstakes. So what I’m getting at is, anything is possible in this league. I’m not expecting the Bears to land Hopkins, but I’m also not counting them out.
(Statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference)
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