Cardinals' Asking Price for DeAndre Hopkins Revealed
Since the early days of the offseason, the Arizona Cardinals have been in search of a suitor for WR DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins - if traded - will cause Arizona to eat $22.6 million in dead cap space but would save $8.15 million in 2023 salary. He would arrive to a new team with $19.45 million owed to him.
It makes sense for both parties to seek new beginnings. The Cardinals are currently beginning their process of a rebuild and Hopkins likely wants to go play for an organization that can compete within the next few years.
But what would it cost to acquire his talents?
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer says Hopkins would go for a similar package the Houston Texans dealt him to Arizona to.
"The ask is similar to what the Texans got for DeAndre Hopkins—a second-rounder plus something else of value. And at this point, trading for him would be more complicated than it was then," Breer said.
"He’ll turn 31 in June. He’s got a lot of miles on his legs, to the point where he doesn’t practice much and has to be managed through his weeks. And while that’s existed with him for a while, only recently has it cost him time on the field. After missing just two games over his first eight NFL seasons, he’s missed 17 over the last two years (six due to his PED suspension).
"He's also due $19.45 million in cash.
"That said, when Hopkins has been able to play, he’s been really, really good. If you project his stats from nine games last year over a full 17, he was on pace for a 121-catch, 1,354-yard, six-touchdown season. So the idea of his going to the Jets with Rodgers would be kind of fun. Stylistically, his toughness and grit would project well to Baltimore. We’ll see what happens. But, again, it’s not as simple as pulling up a highlight reel and saying, I want that guy. For the teams involved, there’s a lot more to it than that."
Hopkins reportedly had the Los Angeles Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars atop his list of preferred destinations. Hopkins also reportedly had a no-trade clause in his contract voided after last year's suspension for PED use.
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