Ravens Rumor: Nearing DeAndre Hopkins Trade on NFL Draft Night

A new rumor suggests that the Baltimore Ravens are closing in on acquiring Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins is the subject of some of the biggest trade rumors this offseason. Several teams have been linked to the star receiver, but he remains in Arizona for the time being. 

One of the teams most commonly linked to Hopkins are the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have already bolstered their receiver group this offseason by signing Odell Beckham Jr., and adding Hopkins could be the next step. After weeks of rumors, the Ravens might be close to striking a deal for Hopkins, according to Reet Manfred of 105.7 Baltimore.

Aiight so the streets say a DHop to the Ravens is close. Trying to figure out draft compensation and money structure to the cap (hopefully this means a Lamar deal is close too?)

Just streets talk, y’all. Time will tell.

— Reet the Writer (@theNFLchick) April 26, 2023

It's worth noting that Manfred has broken significant Ravens news before. She broke the Ravens signing linebacker Justin Houston in 2021 and extending cornerback Marlon Humphrey in 2020.

Manfred's claims also line up with those of Adam "Pacman" Jones of The Pat McAfee Show. Jones, who previously named Baltimore as a landing spot for Hopkins, said on Tuesday's show that he expects the Cardinals to trade Hopkins this week. With the 2023 NFL Draft beginning on Thursday, this weekend would be a good time to strike a deal.

"My source(s) are saying there's a skrong possibility that DHop gets traded this week"@REALPACMAN24 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/u8Z9LetBy0

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 25, 2023

By far the biggest obstacle in the way of Hopkins coming to Baltimore is the salary cap. The Ravens currently have less than $4 million in cap space and still have to sign star quarterback Lamar Jackson. As such, they can't afford to take on Hopkins' $30.75 million cap hit in 2023. There are ways to make it work, such as restructuring other deals and getting the Cardinals to retain salary, but that will take some extra maneuvering. 

Additionally, Baltimore isn't the only team vying for Hopkins' services. Several other teams, most notably the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, have also been linked to the star wideout. If the Ravens want Hopkins, they'll have to outbid the competition.

The Ravens were already a team to watch during the draft due to the uncertainty surrounding their team, and specifically Jackson. Add in this Hopkins rumor, and it's clear that all eyes will be on Baltimore during the draft.

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