Potential landing spots for Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins
After a disastrous 2022 season, the Arizona Cardinals (4-13) are cleaning house. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill plans to trade star WR DeAndre Hopkins during the offseason.
Entering his age-31 season, Hopkins has the second-most career receiving yards among active NFL receivers (11, 298). There are two years and $34.36 million left on his contract, and he appears to be seeking a new deal.
Hopkins has a no-trade clause, so he must approve of his next destination. Here are potential fits for the All-Pro WR:
New York Giants
Despite rostering a collection of unknown receivers, the Giants (9-7-1) made a surprising run to the playoffs this season. They’re reportedly making progress on an extension for QB Daniel Jones, but he’ll need better weapons to throw to in his fifth season.
New York's 68.6 Pro Football Focus receiving grade is 26th among NFL teams.
When Giants GM Joe Schoen and HC Brian Daboll worked in Buffalo, the team acquired a game-changing WR (Stefon Diggs), who elevated young QB Josh Allen's game. New York should explore making a similar deal to aid Jones’ development.
Schoen decided to save his picks and increase his draft capital instead of trading for a WR at the deadline. Is he waiting to unload his ammunition for an offseason trade?
The Giants have 11 picks at their disposal and could add more if they lose any key free agents this offseason.
New England Patriots
While the AFC East is full of dynamic receivers, New England (8-9) lacks an elite option. QB Mac Jones has regressed (14 TDs, 11 interceptions), and 2023 could make or break his career.
Over the past two seasons, Jones’ top receiving option has been WR Jakobi Meyers, a former college QB. Meyers and WR Nelson Agholor will hit free agency, it’s unclear if either will be back, but New England should be in the market for additional WR help anyway.
The Patriots have the fourth most cap space in the NFL, according to Over The Cap, so they could give Hopkins the extension he desires. It also doesn’t hurt New England’s chances that HC Bill Belichick and Hopkins are fans of one another.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns’ current receiving corps isn’t terrible, but they lack the last piece to separate themselves from the pack.
WR Amari Cooper is back to his 1,000-yard season-producing ways, but his home and away splits are troubling. This season, he averaged 84.6 yards per game at home. On the road, his average dropped to 53.7 yds/g.
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, the team’s second-leading receiver (839 yards), is worth building around, but he’s more of a complimentary piece.
The Browns (7-10) will likely miss out on the top WR prospects in the draft after sending their first-round pick to Houston in last offseason’s trade for QB Deshaun Watson. The free-agent WR class is also underwhelming, so expect Cleveland to be active on the trade market.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore (10-6) experienced another injury-riddled season but earned a Wild Card berth. Although they’re in the playoffs, they’ve failed to replace WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown’s production after trading him to Arizona during last year’s draft.
WR Rashod Bateman was supposed to fill Brown's role but was limited to seven games this season due to injury. WR Demarcus Robinson’s 458 yards led Baltimore WRs this season; the Ravens must upgrade at WR. Baltimore is the fifth-worst passing attack this season, in large part to their lack of receiving talent.
Impending free-agent QB Lamar Jackson will likely re-sign with Baltimore this offseason, but if there were any hesitations on his part, adding a WR of Hopkins’ caliber could ease concerns.
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