Arizona Cardinals trade Hopkins if they are serious about rebuilding
By Sion Fawkes
With a new coach and general manager in charge, the Arizona Cardinals will likely find themselves in rebuilding mode for the 2023 season.
The Arizona Cardinals need to rebuild to an extent, even if they have several effective puzzle pieces on both sides of the football. And while DeAndre Hopkins is a remarkable piece to have in their arsenal, he is also an older player with only a handful of decent seasons left.
Several contenders and would-be contenders for 2023 would love to add the former All-Pro receiver who, despite missing seven games, still hauled in 64 receptions and three touchdowns. This indicates Hopkins has some tread left on the tires and the Cardinals can still demand a first round pick for the 30-year-old.
Trading Hopkins now would benefit Arizona, since the Cardinals only have five draft picks. This isn’t the ideal number of picks you want when you are a rebuilding team, so trading off an older yet elite asset like Hopkins could work wonders.
What could the Arizona Cardinals get for DeAndre Hopkins?
Assuming only major contenders or organizations who figure to contend will try for Hopkins, the Cardinals will get a mid to late first round pick for the star receiver at the absolute least. You can also expect Arizona to snag a middle round pick, something like a third or a fourth rounder for Hopkins, and perhaps even an early round pick for 2024.
One reason critics believe Hopkins won’t command such a high price is because of his age. But as it stands, Hopkins remains firmly entrenched in his prime and there are organizations out there like Dallas, Baltimore, or Green Bay willing to overpay for an asset like Hopkins.
Adams, traded just under one season ago, was dealt for a first and second round pick. The former Packers receiver was 29 when traded, and Hopkins will be 31 on June 6th. Their similarities in age, plus the compensation Vegas gave up for Adams, could indicate what Hopkins will go for.
Related Story. 5 players who will re-sign with the Cardinals in 2023. light
Overall, the Arizona Cardinals need to pile up some draft picks, and trading away older, yet productive assets like Hopkins will get them those picks. Look for Arizona’s Ossenfort-led regime to trade Hopkins to a team looking to contend in 2023, and expect the Redbirds to add a few more picks in the process.
Article Source: Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill: DeAndre Hopkins’ future in Arizona will be evaluated in ‘coming weeks’ by Kevin Patra
Want your voice heard? Join the Raising Zona team!