The NFL world was hit with a bombshell yesterday afternoon after it was reported that the Arizona Cardinals intend to trade All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins if they can find a package that’s fair for both parties.
The news came from theScore’s Jordan Schultz. Naturally, this led many within the Titans’ fanbase to start salivating at the mere possibility of acquiring the one-time division rival.
A move of this magnitude would make sense for a couple of reasons.
For starters, the team clearly needs to make a significant move or moves at wide receiver, and Hopkins would instantly add some talent to a position group that obviously needs it.
Hopkins produced 717 receiving yards and three touchdowns despite missing nearly half the season because of a PED suspension. The veteran also sat out the last two games with a knee injury, but one wonders how much that had to do with the Cardinals being eliminated from playoff contention.
DeAndre Hopkins among WRs since returning in Week 7:
🔴 32 TGTs (3rd)
🔴 26 RECs (T-1st)
🔴 289 yards (2nd)
🔴 2 TDs (T-3rd)pic.twitter.com/zNobTK1mgI— PFN Fantasy Football (@PFNFantasy) November 9, 2022
In the nine games that he played, the former AFC South star accounted for at least 60 receiving yards in seven outings, eclipsing double-digit catches and over 95 yards in three of those contests.
Hopkins’ mere presence would also provide a massive boost toward Treylon Burks’ development. Not only would Burks get to learn from one of the very best of this era, but the attention Hopkins draws on every play would allow Burks to thrive in the No. 2 role in all likelihood.
Also, we’re approaching Derrick Henry’s final year of his contract, as well as the final year of his 20s. There’s no telling how much longer we have of the Henry prime, but we’re probably closer to the end of it than not.
Hopkins and Henry being on the same team would be mutually beneficial to each of them as well. The two All-Pro’s would be able to feed off all the attention the other one is getting throughout the game.
If the opposing defense is stacking the box, this would allow Hopkins and Burks to pick the secondary apart. Then, once they inevitably back the defense up, Henry will be allowed to take advantage of the extra room.
Plus, this would be the type of move that allows the team to take advantage of Henry’s final year under contract as opposed to wasting another year like they did in 2022.
With all that said, the obvious con to this entire scenario is the fact that the veteran wideout is already on the wrong side of 30, as well as the massive contract that comes with him. We’ve seen this story before.
Over the next two seasons, the Clemson product has cap hits that consist of:
- $19.45M (2023)
- $14.915M (2024)
The Titans are going into the offseason over the cap, and while they have avenues to get under, they won’t exactly be flush with cash.
One avenue the two parties could explore is agreeing to a short extension upon making the trade, something Hopkins is likely looking for already.
An extension would ultimately lower Hopkins’ cap hit for the coming season, but the Titans should also make sure to leave themselves wiggle room to get out just in case things don’t work out as planned like we’ve seen with other high-profile veteran receivers in the past.
Sources: #AZCardinals plan to try and trade All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins this offseason. DHop has 2 yrs and $34.36M left on his contract and is likely to seek a new deal. Owner Michael Bidwill plans to express this to GM candidates.
My story, via @theScore: https://t.co/xX8NHkULYH
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 10, 2023
Given the recent suspension, his age, and contract number, it’s hard to imagine Hopkins going for anything more than a Day 2 pick these days.
If that’s the case, Tennessee should jump all over this rare opportunity to get a superstar wide receiver in their building that is still playing at a high level.
Assuming the team creates plenty of cap space this offseason through necessary cuts and restructures, the team could then focus on trying to sign a starting-caliber offensive lineman in free agency.
Then, with the No. 11 pick, you could select the best offensive lineman on the board, and all of a sudden your offense went from an uninspiring group to one of the more intriguing offenses in the league.
Unfortunately, Hopkins has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he will have to approve his next destination.
DeAndre Hopkins secured a no-trade clause in his last extension and would have to approve of a final destination if a deal gets done. Expect Nuk to be one of the most sought after players this offseason. https://t.co/ewV7rAycJc
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 10, 2023
One thing working for the Titans if they pursue Hopkins is the respect he has for Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. During an interview in 2018, Hopkins said the following about Vrabel being hired as head coach of the Titans:
“I had a lot of interaction with him,” Hopkins said. “He’s one of those guys you could talk to off the field, not just about football, but personal stuff. Vrabel was good to me. It wasn’t just a football relationship with him, it was a personal relationship. Guys could relate to him.
“He’s a great guy. He’s not just a good coach, but he’s a good guy. He can relate to his players. The Titans are lucky to have him.”
There’s no telling how this one plays out, but if the Titans are smart, they’ll join the mix of teams that try to lure the star wideout to their city.
