Talks 'Ramping Up' on Trade for Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins
The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly close to trading WR DeAndre Hopkins, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.
Rapoport said talks around the superstar receiver are "ramping up" and a trade would "likely mean an altered contract", which is something Rapoport reported Hopkins would be open too earlier in the process as well.
Hopkins was initially placed in trade talks just a few days following the conclusion of a 4-13 season, where head coach Kliff Kingsbury was fired and general manager Steve Keim stepped down.
Hopkins likely wants to go compete for a Super Bowl while the Cardinals begin their process of the rebuild. A split makes sense for both sides.
Trade rumors have swirled for the last few months, yet nothing has come to fruition just yet. Former NFL executive Michael Lombardi described Hopkins' trade market as "soft" thanks to his age (will be 31-years-old) and contract (is due $19.45 million in cash this year).
Arizona is reportedly asking for a second-round pick and something else of value in exchange for Hopkins.
The Cardinals have seen a few teams interested, yet the New England Patriots are one of the top contenders to watch thanks to their steady interest in Hopkins and the various connections between the two situations. Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort spent a significant amount of time in New England's front office and Hopkins' former head coach in Bill O'Brien is now the offensive coordinator for the Patriots.
It feels like Hopkins' days are numbered in Arizona.
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