The Arizona Cardinals will likely trade DeAndre Hopkins in the offseason. But will they have a tough time finding a trading partner?
If I had to describe the early stages of the Arizona Cardinals offseason in one word, it would be polarizing. You have several camps regarding who the head coach should be, then there are multiple camps on what to do with DeAndre Hopkins, whether Kyler Murray would be a sound starting quarterback, and whether general manager Monti Ossenfort was the right hire.
Personally, I’m in the Trade Hopkins Camp, because he’s still in his prime and productive enough for the Cardinals to get some sound compensation for him. But today, I’m going to go against my own argument and tell you why the Arizona Cardinals would have a tough time trading Hopkins for some valuable compensation. Let’s dive in.
1 – Hopkins played in just 19 games in 2021-22
Injuries and a six-game suspension limited Hopkins over the past two seasons. Out of 34 regular season games, he played in just 19, or 55.8%. That percentage dips even lower when you consider that Hopkins missed the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams in January 2022.
Since he missed so much time, with nine of those 15 games missed because of injury, Hopkins carries a significant risk. Sure, a team that believes Hopkins is their missing link between a Lombardi would probably be cool with giving up a late first round pick here. But it could occur only after Monti Ossenfort comes up with a decent sales pitch and some assurance.
Because of Hopkins’ recent injury history, the Arizona Cardinals may not make such a trade until after the NFL Draft. At this point, any would-be contender who missed on a receiver in free agency and the draft may call, but the (presumed) first round pick acquired for Hopkins wouldn’t come until 2024.
2 – Hopkins’ no-trade clause may scare teams away
No-trade clauses exist for a reason. They give elite talents like Hopkins a say in where they end up. So if the Arizona Cardinals want to trade Hopkins, he must agree to waive the clause. But if Hopkins doesn’t like the situation he may be heading into, he has the power to veto the trade.
This no-trade clause, even for teams figuring to contend in 2023, may deter a few. Why waste time trying to trade for a player who may or may not want to be in town, especially if there is a younger option in free agency or the NFL Draft?
If the no-trade clause keeps potential contenders in 2023 away from Hopkins, then it’s likely he will be with the Cardinals for at least another season. There would be even more truth to this if Hopkins vetoed the trade.
3 – Few teams will pay $19.45 million for a 31-year-old
As it stands, Hopkins’ is due nearly $34 million in cash ($19.45 million in 2023) over the next two seasons. Since he will turn 31 by Week 1 of 2023, teams may think twice about dishing out so much money for a 31-year-old.
While there is always a team or two willing to take the risk, it all reverts back to whether Hopkins would want to wind up with that team. If the answer is no, then once again, look for Hopkins to spend another year (or two) in the desert.
Hopkins’ advanced age is another factor. And while every receiver is different when they drop off, look at A.J. Green who spent the previous two years with the Arizona Cardinals. Or Julio Jones, who played in just 19 games and recorded 106 receptions since he turned 31. While 106 in 19 games is great, keep in mind that these catches occurred over the past three seasons, giving Jones an average of just 35 catches per season.
As it stands, Hopkins is still a major talent who will draw interest. But there are plenty of reasons, as outlined above, why the Cardinals may have a tougher time dealing him than many of us in the Trade Hopkins Camp think.
Article Source: The Cardinals May Have Trouble Trying to Trade DeAndre Hopkins by Albert Breer
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