The countdown to this year’s draft continues, but a number of veteran playmakers are still available via free agency or trade. The latter route is thought to be necessary for a team to acquire Cardinals wideout DeAndre Hopkins, though that may not be the case relatively soon.
Hopkins has a $19.45MM base salary and, more importantly, a $29.99MM cap hit for the 2023 season. One more year exists after that on his current pact, though it is widely expected that the five-time Pro Bowler will agree to an extension upon arrival with an acquiring team. He recently hired an agent, and is open to the idea of a financial adjustment if it helps pave the way for a deal sending him to a contender. 
No suitors have emerged that are willing to meet the Cardinals’ asking price, however. Arizona – now led by general manager Monti Ossenfort – is seeking a second-round pick and some other draft capital to move Hopkins, 30. To no surprise, his contract is holding up trade talks, to the point where some teams looking to add him are becoming convinced he will be released, reports SI’s Albert Breer. Cutting Hopkins before June 1 would create over $21MM in dead money for the Cardinals, just as a trade would.
Dealing or releasing the three-time All-Pro after that date, though, would yield nearly $19.5MM in cap savings. This month’s draft represents a logical turning point with respect to a trade market taking shape, as teams eyeing WR additions could fail to land an impact rookie. In that case, teams linked to Hopkins like the Chiefs, Bills and Ravens could circle back to see if he could be had at a discounted trade price.
While the decision will ultimately fall to Ossenfort, his predecessor made his thoughts clear on the matter. During a recent appearance on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast, Steve Keim alluded to Hopkins’ contract as the obstacle holding up a deal, adding that he feels the Cardinals may end up being undersold on the former Texans first-rounder.
“They’re probably going to have to come to understand that they’re probably not going to get as much as they would if he was a younger player or his contract was considerably lower, where you could get him for a second-round [pick],” Keim said. “It could end up being a second- or third-day draft pick to really get it done. Probably [need to] get a new deal done” (h/t ArizonaSports.com).
Missed time in recent years represents another factor which could hinder Hopkins’ value. When on the field last year, though, he averaged just under 80 receiving yards per game, meaning he would likely remain productive on his new team. Other veterans (such as free agent Odell Beckham Jr. and trade targets Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy) are also in place as other options for receiver-needy teams. Once a contractual solution is in place, however, Hopkins could quickly find himself on the move.
Hunter Renfroe, 7th pick and a 3rd for Hopkins and the 3rd pick. Do it Ratriots.
Lol, that would never happen….
Perfect time for a WR needy team to swoop in and get him for a 3rd round pick.
Probably rather unlikely but would be a terrific offseason for the Bears if they got him for the first selection in the 4th round. Fields would have gone from next to no receivers to DHop, DJ Moore and Darnell Mooney.
At RB they have Herbert and Freeman, and at TE have Kmet and Tonyan. That’s now a solid offensive in a favourable division.
Green Bay is going to lose Rodgers, the Vikings lost key veterans Thielen and Kendrick’s as-well as Peterson and Tomlinson both on defence. Detroit look on the come up as do the Bears.
Bears need a D line right now. They were last in the league in sacks. That 3rd round pick is better used on the line.
The article states Hopkins is interested in joining a contender…so you can scratch the Bears.
Top Remaining FA’s with in depth scouting reports:
1. Lamar – ghosted
2. OBJ – obvious impact
3. Rock Ya-sin – interestingly available still
3. Isiah Wynn – could Wynn a starting job
4. Yannick Ngoukue – situational pass rusher
5. Jadaveon Clowney – king of the Clowns
6. Carson Wentz – not as bad as his reputation
7. Marcus Peters – CB turns 30 and poof
8. Deion Jones – injured still I guess
9. Myles Jack – CPU player on Pro difficulty
10. Zeke, Fournette, Hunt – 27 is 37 in RB years
Honorable Mentions:
Bud Dupree – was good a few years ago
Taylor Lewan – could prob land a 1 year deal if not such a flaming d bag
Robbie Anderson – has cool hair
Conor McGovern – has cool name
A’Shawn Robinson – one of many Shawn Robinsons
Add Hopkins to the flaming d-bag list. The league is very likely aware of his character issues that date back to the time he entered the league. If they don’t they should ask one of the assistants for his first agency.
If Goku was working the draft instead of Mel Kiper Jr. we could get it done in under 15 minutes.
The Cardinals should work a package deal with Indy – send both Hopkins and Murray to Indy for their first and second picks. Start fresh with Young or Stroud.
I doubt Young or Stroud will be there at 4