Ravens Could Trade for Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins to Keep Lamar Jackson Happy
It's going to be a busy offseason in the NFL with some big-name free agents on the market. That's especially true of the Baltimore Ravens, who have important players like Marcus Peters, Kyle Fuller, and Lamar Jackson becoming free agents.
But free agency works both ways, and while the Ravens may lose big name or two, they also have opportunities to add some talent.
With the current state of the Arizona Cardinals franchise, it's not surprising they're expected to make All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins available via trade.
And assuming Baltimore keeps Jackson as signal-caller he's going to need some additional hands to throw the ball to. Tight end Mark Andrews is a great receiver, but he can't catch every pass.
Fans have been on the Ravens to somehow acquire a star receiver for years. Last year, Baltimore traded Marquise Brown to the Cardinals for a first-round pick in last season's draft but failed to replace him with another wideout.
Rashod Bateman missed 11 games due to injury, and the Ravens ranked near the bottom of passing offenses in the league.
Having just signed linebacker Roquan Smith to a $100 million deal, the franchise tag is left open for Jackson, and orchestrating a trade for Hopkins could certainly add to enticing Jackson to stay.
The addition of new offensive coordinator Todd Monken would be a good fit for Hopkins in Baltimore. Monken helped Mike Evans become one of the best receivers in the league in Tampa Bay early in his career.
Adding a big name like Hopkins would take pressure off of Jackson to make every play by himself and could reduce the risk of more injuries.
It's a trade that the Ravens have to at least explore, if for no other reason than to show the fans and Jackson they're serious about winning. Now.
Follow Timm Hamm on Twitter and Instagram
Listen to the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast
Follow Raven Country on Twitter and Facebook
Ravens Alert! Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?
