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DeAndre Hopkins is rumored to be available on the trade block during the 2023 NFL offseason.
The Arizona Cardinals are expected to enter a bit of a rebuilding phase this year, so Hopkins is one of their most valuable assets in the process. He's one of their best players, so he can command a solid return package. Shedding his salary also provides the Craidnals with a ton more roster flexibility.
The Cleveland Browns are one of the main teams that have been linked to rumors involving Hopkins in a potential trade.
They acquired superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson via trade with the Houston Texans last year, sparking the idea of a possible reunion. Watson and Hopkins formerly served as a dominant duo for the Texans before each of them landed with their new teams.
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, these rumors don't appear to be true. Her sources suggest the Browns are not pursuing Hopkins. She said in a tweet:
"It's my understanding that the #Browns currently are not among teams attempting to trade for DeAndre Hopkins."
Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins spent three seasons together with the Houston Texans.
Hopkins was one of the most consistently dominant wide receivers in the entire NFL with Watson as his quarterback. He exceeded 1,150 receiving yards in all three seasons, while averaging 105 receptions per year and totaling 31 touchdowns.
Their massive success as a duo made Hopkins a logical target for the Browns. Especially considering their need to add another reliable wide receiver next to Amari Cooper.
While Anderson didn't cite a specific reason why the Browns are apparently uninterested in Hopkins, his massive contract could be a potential problem.
DeAndre Hopkins' contract could prevent the Cardinals from trading him
DeAndre Hopkins' massive contract may be what's holding up a potential trade. He currently has two years remaining on his deal with the Arizona Cardinals, expriring at the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season. His cap hit exceeds $30 million for the upcoming campaign and then drops to more than $26 million in 2024.
Any potential landing spot for Hopkins is likely to be contingent on his willingness to renegotiate his contract to a more manageable number for the team. His 2023 cap hit ranks first in the entire NFL among wide receivers and seventh among all players in any position.
The price tag is hefty for a 30 year old wide receiver who has failed to exceed 1,000 yards in either of the last two seasons.
