ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington explained why the Kansas City Chiefs would be a good landing spot for a certain former All-Pro wide receiver.
The Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl 57, and witnessed some turnover on their roster, specifically at the wide receiver position. JuJu Smith-Schuster signed a three-year, $25.5 million contract with the New England Patriots, while Mecole Hardman joined the New York Jets on a one-year, $4.5 million deal.
There is still time for the team to bring in some reinforcements at the position, specifically the NFL Draft. But, could they make a run at a former All-Pro wide receiver?
During the Apr. 13 episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” NFL reporter Jeff Darlington spoke about the potential trade market for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Darlington brings up Hopkins’ $19.5 million salary for the 2023 season and how it could rule out some teams from acquiring him. That is when Darlington raised the possibility of the Chiefs being a good fit for Hopkins.
“This, to me, is more ripe for a team like Kansas City, that could renegotiate a deal with DeAndre because he’d want to resurrect his career with Patrick Mahomes and maybe earn more money in later years,” said Darlington. “He’s turning 31 in June. He’s not the same D-Hop you all remember.”
Chiefs linked to DeAndre Hopkins
As Darlington mentioned, Hopkins’ contract will have to be negotiated for certain teams. Let’s not forget that reports indicated that the Cardinals were looking for a second-round pick in return for Hopkins, but the contract has hindered their chances of getting it. In fact, TheMMQB’s Albert Breer brought up that some teams believe that the Cardinals will release Hopkins.
Whatever the case may be, Hopkins had his last 1,000 receiving yards season back in 2020, his first year in Arizona. But in 2021 and 2022, he was sidelined due to injuries, and a six-game suspension last year due to violating the league’s performance enhancing drug policy, limiting him to just 19 games played.
Last season, Hopkins caught 64 passes for 717 yards and three touchdowns on 96 targets in nine games played.
The Chiefs have shown they can win and contend as long as Patrick Mahomes is throwing passes. But given how loaded the AFC has become, it would certainly help them to bring in a player with big-name, superstar potential like Hopkins. But, the NFL world will have to wait and see if the Cardinals can find a good enough trade partner to move on from him.