What if the Arizona Cardinals struck a deal to send star receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Super Bowl Champions? Is this a good idea?
The Arizona Cardinals could shop DeAndre Hopkins during the offseason, and the Kansas City Chiefs are one team that could emerge as potential buyers. While it seems farfetched, one reason the Chiefs could inquire about Hopkins stems from the likelihood Juju Smith-Schuster walks in free agency.
And while Hopkins is an older receiver who will turn 31 before the 2023 season begins, one huge reason why the Chiefs may pick up the phone and talk to general manager Monti Ossenfort stems from the fact that they won't be afraid to give up draft picks. Arizona could easily grab the 31st overall selection here, plus even a second-round or at worst, a mid-round pick from Kansas City.
Arizona Cardinals could get multiple picks if they trade Hopkins to KC
While quarterback Patrick Mahomes doesn't necessarily need a star receiver to win a Super Bowl with the Chiefs, Hopkins would certainly make life easier. They have a serviceable array of pass catchers, but adding Hopkins could make one of the NFL's most potent offenses even more dangerous, and it would give Hopkins a chance to legitimately compete for his first Super Bowl.
There have been plenty of teams mentioned who could trade for Hopkins, and chances are, the Cardinals will likely hold out until they get what they believe will be the best offer. Some teams mentioned previously, like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, and Green Bay Packers, may balk at the potential asking price, but since the Chiefs are already atop the league's pinnacle, they may be more willing to part with picks and perhaps even players.
Overall, if the Cards shipped Hopkins to Kansas City, expect them to receive some solid returns, including the 31st overall pick in the NFL Draft. And it will allow them to get even younger for 2023.
Source: Fantasy Football Wishlist for 2023 NFL Free Agency by Michael Fabiano, SI.com.