Cowboys Rumors: Cardinals asking price for DeAndre Hopkins is dirt cheap
By Jerry Trotta
Word on the street Dallas Cowboys are planning to make an “impactful addition” to the offense on top of brining Tony Pollard back. Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reported the Cowboys aren’t close to making a big move, but the team is committed to surrounding Dak Prescott with more talent.
Cowboys fans will have their own preference of receiver they want to acquire. For some, signing Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency would move the needle. For others, trading for someone like DeAndre Hopkins, Brandin Cooks, or another upper-echelon wideout would do the trick.
Other receivers, like Stefon Diggs, could become available.
At this juncture of the offseason, though, it’s abundantly clear that the Cardinals and Texans are actively shopping Hopkins and Cooks.
It goes without saying Hopkins is the superior of the two players, and Dallas should move heaven and earth — so to speak — to free him from Arizona.
You know the old saying “easier said than done”? That doesn’t apply here, as the Cardinals are seeking a second-round draft pick and a compensatory pick for Hopkins, per Mike Jurecki of the “Arizona Football Daily” podcast.
According to a couple agents I’ve spoken with the Cardinals looking for at least a second round pick and a conditional pick for DeAndre Hopkins. These conversations are taking place at the combine.
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) March 1, 2023
The Cowboys must trade for Cardinals star receiver DeAndre Hopkins at this rumored price.
While Hopkins is still capable of performing at an All-Pro level, he’s struggled staying on the field the last two seasons.
After lighting up the NFL with 115 catches for 1,407 yards and six touchdowns in his first year with the Cardinals, Hopkins has played 19 of a possible 32 games in the two years since.
Might that explain his shockingly low price tag? It’s tough to say, but Dallas shouldn’t waste time deliberating the details. At the end of the day, the Cardinals are headed for a potential rebuild and their franchise quarterback, Kyler Murray, could miss the start of next season as he recovers from ACL surgery.
They’re motivated to get a deal done. In fact, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport believes a trade could happen within the next two weeks.
"Probably within the next ten days, I would say,” Rapoport told Fox Sports 910. “You’re looking at probably right before the start of the league year, that’s when most of these trades happen. I assume there have been conversations going on in Indy.”"
It’s unclear what Hopkins’ market is, but insider Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado notes the Chiefs are emerging as the favorites.
#NFL insider Benjamin Allbright on #Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins via @PHNX_Sports:
— Devon Clements (@DevclemNFL) March 2, 2023
"I'm hearing Kansas City is the primary suitor there."
Albright noted that he doesn't think AZ can get a 1st rounder for DH, but they could "probably" get a 2nd rounder. #ChiefsKingdom
That’s two separate reports claiming Hopkins could be had for as little as a second-round pick. If the Cardinals ask for an additional compensatory fourth or fifth-round pick, then so be it. The important thing is the Cowboys (seemingly) would be able to keep the No. 26 overall pick, while adding a premium-level receiver.
Hopkins is under contract through the 2024 season, and is due guaranteed salaries of $19.4 million in 2023 and $14.9 million in 2024, respectively.
What are the Cowboys waiting for?
