The Arizona Cardinals caught a break if they plan on trading star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who formerly had a “no-trade clause.”
While many believed star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins would have a say in where he’s shipped, that is no longer the case. Thanks to his six-game suspension for PEDs in 2023, his “no-trade clause” is no longer effective, per Joel Corry of CBS Sports.
This is big for the Cardinals, who, had the clause still been in effect, would have needed Hopkins’ blessing if they wanted to trade him to a specific organization, particularly one of the receiver’s liking. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers were two hot candidates, but now, the ball returns to the Cardinals court.
It makes sense to be cautiously optimistic regarding a blockbuster trade, however. Since Hopkins is 30, don’t expect potentially rebuilding teams to come calling. But with the void in place, teams that believe they will contend in 2023 may inquire about the star receiver who otherwise looked as though he’d have a significant say in where he ends up.
Arizona Cardinals options for trading Hopkins are wide open
Suppose a team who just missed the playoffs is looking to go all-in for 2023. They can now trade for Hopkins. Even a team like the Chicago Bears or the Detroit Lions, the latter of whom appear to be on the verge of contention for the first time in forever, can inquire and potentially make a trade.
At this point, the possibilities are endless, assuming they call up general manager Monti Ossenfort and try to work out a deal. And even at 30 years old, 31 when the season begins, Hopkins has shown he can still be a premier receiver in the NFL.
Last season, he logged 64 catches, 717 yards, and 3 touchdowns, despite appearing in only nine games. Over his career with the Arizona Cardinals, Hopkins has 221 catches in just 35 appearances, with 2,696 yards, and 17 touchdowns.
(Statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference)
Source: DeAndre Hopkins no-trade clause voided due to PED suspension (report) by Chris Mason
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