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DeAndre Hopkins was signed by the Tennessee Titans to help the team get back to the top of the AFC. However, the team has instead appeared to slip further down the pecking order after a 7-10 season in 2022 and with a 2-4 record now in 2023. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, many believe the Titans are sellers, especially after already trading away Kevin Byard.
Many have discussed Derrick Henry extensively as a trade candidate. Hopkins has been lumped in with him as an option as well. Hopkins might be a more likely trade candidate considering his recent addition and his age. At 31, he likely won't be around to reap the rewards of a rebuild. DeAndre Hopkins likely wants his first ring and teams often oblige stars, sending them to contenders.
Here's a look at three options for the wide receiver:
#1 - Kansas City Chiefs
It doesn't feel right to say it, but the Chiefs need help at wide receiver. Right now, no player has emerged to replace Tyreek Hill other than Travis Kelce. Eventually, either through overworking him or defenses scheming him out, the tight end won't be able to carry the offense on his own.
DeAndre Hopkins might be the best option for the team in the trade market this year. His addition would satisfy the wide receiver's likely hopes of getting to a contender as well. Sure, it's a trade inside the conference, but it's out of the division, and considering Hopkins' age, he wouldn't be around long enough to hurt the eventually rebuilt Titans.
In addition, it might only hurt the Chiefs' draft stock, which would hurt them later by sinking them in the NFL Draft order now and changing the trajectory of the team later down the line. That's when the rebuilt Titans can pounce.
#2 - San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers might be on a two-game losing streak, but they're still one of the top teams in the NFC. Adding another weapon for Brock Purdy not only unlocks defenses further but also provides redundancy for the roster as the injury bug hits teams in the NFL.
DeAndre Hopkins may not be the superstar he once was, but he could still be a valuable addition to an already strong offense, potentially elevating the passing game to match the running game. Plus, the 49ers made a star trade around this time last season via Christian McCaffrey, so there's reason to believe they're interested in another move now.
#3 - Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles just added Julio Jones, so there at least was some interest in getting a veteran wide receiver like DeAndre Hopkins into the picture. After watching how the trade for AJ Brown changed the offense, the Titans might be able to convince the Eagles to spend more than other teams this time around.
The trade also removes DeAndre Hopkins from the conference in the event that he has a sustained resurgence and places him with a contender.
The biggest concern, of course, is if Titans general manager Ran Carthon is willing to deal with the probable backlash and firestorm that fans and the media would unleash if the organization dealt their top receiver to the same team again in a short period of time.
