Cowboys Trade Michael Gallup & Pick for DeAndre Hopkins? Cap Cost Made Simple

DeAndre Hopkins is so aware of the trade rumors that maybe we should quit labeling them “rumors.” How aware are the Cowboys?

FRISCO - In our discussions about Arizona Cardinals All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and his attractiveness to the wideout-hungry Dallas Cowboys, we've generally used the phrase "a $27 million APY'' acquisition.

That is true when it comes to Hopkins' relationship with his banker.

But in his relationship with any team wishing to trade for him? The numbers are much more palatable.

Hopkins’ cap hits would be $19.5 million in 2023 and $14.9 million in 2024 and ... that's it.

There has been talk of Hopkins, 31, eventually wanting a new deal (Spotrac estimates a three-year, $70 million extension from his next team) but in fact Hopkins has apparently suggested that he is willing to be "flexible'' when it comes to working with his new team in terms of finances.

At some point, a team like Dallas could massage his contract to gain present-day room by adding a year to the deal; the Cowboys on Friday did some massaging on the Dak Prescott and Zack Martin contracts in order to be cap-compliant by the start of the NFL year next week.

But Hopkins' true cost for two years (ht Joey Ickes) at an average of $17.2 million per season?

That's a bargain.

Also palatable is the suggestion from Arizona that they won't demand a premium pick for the five-time All-Pro. The Cardinals seem willing to deal with the $22.6 million in dead cap space there as in the end it is saving Arizona $8.15 million. ... and they seem willing to take a "second-round pick and a player.''

How about a third-round pick and Michael Gallup?

Hopkins is so aware of the trade rumors that maybe we should quit labeling them “rumors.''

"Talk to me!'' said Hopkins on Monday as he communicated on a social media live stream with Dez Bryant, the former Cowboys star who is “recruiting'' Hopkins to The Star.

#AZCardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins admitted on @PatMcAfeeShow that he’s “been hearing a lot of trade talks.” On that subject, my understanding is if a trade did happen, he’d be flexible on the last two years of his contract – rather than shoot for a top-of-the-market deal.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2023

We know for certain now that Arizona has the All-Pro receiver on the trade block. And of course, while there will obviously be other bidders, Hopkins is certainly aware of the impression being created by spending the last two weekends or so hanging out in DFW, as was the case last weekend in Lewisville and now again in Cowboys Country.

Could the Cowboys get a "$27 million receiver'' for $17.2 million? The answer is clear.

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