The Green Bay Packers have seemingly made the tough decision to move on from future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They are deep into discussions with the New York Jets to trade Rodgers, which would mark the start of the Jordan Love era in Green Bay.
If the Packers want Love to find success from the start, it would behoove them to upgrade the weapons around him. After trading Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders and seeing Marquez Valdes-Scantling leave in free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay lost even more pass-catching talent this offseason.
Allen Lazard signed with the Jets, a preemptive move hoping to reunite with Rodgers there. Veteran Randall Cobb is a free agent, and tight end Robert Tonyan signed with the Chicago Bears.
This is a Packers squad that will be relying heavily on second-year wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs to take major leaps in their development. Adding a veteran to show them the way and be the go-to guy until they are ready to step up would be a good idea.
One player who would fit that bill for the Packers is DeAndre Hopkins. The former All-Pro has reportedly been made available this offseason by the Arizona Cardinals for trade as they transition into a bit of a reset.
While head coach Jonathan Gannon has said he is preparing as if Hopkins will be on the roster in Week 1, if a good offer is presented to them, the Cardinals would likely take it. What kind of trade could the Packers make with them?
Arizona is reportedly seeking a second- or third-round pick with one more pick or player included. Green Bay could offer them a third-round pick (No. 78 overall) and a fifth-round pick (No. 170 overall) and see if that is enough to get a deal done.
Given Hopkins’ inability to stay on the field the last two seasons, as he has missed 15 games, and his huge contract, it will be hard for the Cardinals to get what they perceive as fair value for him. A third and a fifth are likely the best they can do unless a team gets desperate and offers a second-round pick.
For the Packers, Love would now have a go-to No.1 receiver that has proven he has plenty left in the tank. If he can stay on the field, there is no reason he won’t put up Pro Bowl-caliber stats once again during the 2023 season.
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