DeAndre Hopkins trade talks heating up with free agency slowing down

As more free agent wide receivers continue to come off the board, teams looking to improve their collection of pass-catching talent could redirect their attention to the trade market instead. If so, there’s still a major playmaker who may be available, with the Arizona Cardinals said to be considering parting with DeAndre Hopkins.

Hopkins has been linked in trade rumors all offseason after reports suggested the five-time Pro Bowl receiver wanted a trade out of town. Perhaps this is in large part due to Kyler Murray‘s ACL surgery recovery, which is expected to keep him sidelined for a portion of the season, as Hopkins is now 30 and hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2019.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, teams interested in trading for Hopkins have ramped up their efforts as of late, meaning we could see a deal come together any day now.

While no official word has leaked as to what the Cardinals are seeking in return for their three-time All-Pro, some reports have suggested a second-round pick will get teams in the conversation.

In addition to the expected draft capital needed to land Hopkins, interested teams will also have to be prepared to adjust his contract. Hopkins is set to have a $30.7 million cap hit in 2023 and a $26.2 million cap charge in 2024.

As good as he can be, teams generally aren’t willing to pay quarterback prices to a receiver. Plus, being that he’s under contract for just two more years, everyone involved may prefer to have a bit more long-term security once he arrives at his new destination. It’s also worth noting that Hopkins no longer has a full no-trade clause, which was voided when he was suspended for six games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

With plenty of teams still in need of adding another weapon to their offense, the Cardinals should find no shortage of suitors to land the one they call ‘Nuk.’

Related: NFL mock draft 2023: Latest Round 1 projection for 2023 NFL Draft

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Author: Andrew Buller-Russ

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