According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Cardinals are demanding significant compensation for Hopkins, a perennial Pro Bowl wide receiver. The team is reportedly seeking at least a day two draft selection in exchange for Hopkins, meaning a pick in the second or third round. This demand shows that the Cardinals place a high value on Hopkins and are not willing to part with him easily.
Hopkins is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the league, and his talent and production speak for themselves. In his first season with the Cardinals in 2020, he caught 115 passes for 1,407 yards and 6 touchdowns. He has a proven track record of success and would be a valuable addition to any team in need of a top-tier wide receiver.
As the trade market continues to develop, it will be interesting to see if any team is willing to meet the Cardinals' asking price for Hopkins. It's clear that the team values him highly, and they will likely only part with him if the compensation is significant.
In a trade that still haunts the Houston Texans, the Arizona Cardinals acquired DeAndre Hopkins and a fourth-round draft pick three years ago in exchange for veteran running back David Johnson, along with second and fourth-round draft picks. The trade has proved to be a significant win for the Cardinals, as Hopkins has been a crucial part of their offense ever since.
While the Cardinals were able to capitalize on their acquisition of Hopkins, they struggled during the 2021 season, finishing with a dismal 4-13 record. The team's poor performance led to the firing of head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who was replaced by former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Additionally, GM Steve Keim resigned for health reasons, and Monti Ossenfort was brought in as his replacement.
Despite the recent struggles, the Cardinals' acquisition of Hopkins remains one of the most lopsided trades in recent NFL history. Hopkins has been a consistent performer for the Cardinals, recording over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons with the team. His presence has been a significant factor in the team's offensive success, and he is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the league.
As the Cardinals look to bounce back from a disappointing season, they will undoubtedly rely heavily on Hopkins to lead their offense once again. Meanwhile, the Texans continue to regret their decision to trade away one of the league's most talented players.