DeAndre Hopkins Trade Idea to Ravens: Is Baltimore Really 'Monitoring'?

It made some sense when the Baltimore Ravens essentially opted to not "pay twice'' when they decided against trading for veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. But what ever happened to a second look?

We get it. The Baltimore Ravens essentially opted to not "pay twice'' when they decided against trading for veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. But that was then. This is now. Hopkins is a free agent, having been released by the Arizona Cardinals. ... and while he is reportedly closing in on a deal with the New England Patriots ... whatever happened to the Ravens "monitoring'' the situation?

We still wonder ... Why wouldn't the Ravens - given that they did so much "homework'' on the concept before - re-examine the concept now that the "price'' has been "cut in half''?

We believe the report from The Athletic that paints a picture of the Ravens having seriously considered making a trade for Hopkins, complete with all that "due diligence'' and "homework'' and whatnot. And we also recognize that things have changed since the time a trade would've been a premium option, and not just because Hopkins' availability has been altered.

Signing Odell Beckham Jr. can be a game-changer in multiple ways, and he's got a one-year, $15 million deal that eats up some cap. Veteran Nelson Agholor is also here, with a one-year, $3.25 million deal. And the selection of Boston College wide receiver Zay Smith could be seen as enough help added to the established receiving crew that will be working with QB Lamar Jackson.

But here's a potential change on DeAndre Hopkins in reverse: His new team won't have to pay via trade capital, so there's major "savings.'' And what about his contract? Before, it was going to count $17 million against the cap for each of the next two seasons - not exorbitant, but substantial. And now?

Here we sit, anticipating a bidding war that the Ravens maybe don't want to involved themselves in ... and where's the "war''? Where's the "bid''? "Sources'' and "leaks'' are painting negative pictures of the five-time Pro Bowler. Maybe the Browns or Chiefs will step up. But the Cowboys, Jets and Texans are among the clubs stepping back ... and "back'' at one point could be defined by the embarrassing story that has one club willing to offer Hopkins "one year and $2 million.''

It seems to be coming down to the Patriots vs. the Titans ... with no leaks about the finances involved

We doubted all along that his deal would end up down at that "embarrassing'' level. But where does his money stand? The Baltimore Ravens ought to - one more time - re-check all that "due diligence'' and "homework'' and whatnot.

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