New DeAndre Hopkins update proves Cowboys should be all-in
By Jerry Trotta
It is officially silly season in the NFL, which means you’ll likely stumble across trade and free agency rumors every time you open Twitter. Dallas Cowboys fans were hesitant to buy into the DeAndre Hopkins buzz at first — some still are, and understandably so — but there’s reason to believe he’s a realistic target.
Some reports claim the Cardinals are only asking for a second-round pick, while others intimate Arizona wants a conditional pick or player in addition to a second-round pick for the star receiver.
Either way, Hopkins should sit atop Dallas’ shopping list of receivers. Yes, that includes Odell Beckham Jr., Brandin Cooks, Stefon Diggs, whom may or may not even be attainable, and newly-minted targeted Courtland Sutton.
Even if hesitant Cowboys fans preferred other targets over Hopkins, the latest update on the coveted wideout changes everything.
Hopkins is well aware of the trade speculation (surprising, right?), and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport understands the three-time All-Pro would be open to adjusting the last two years of his deal rather than demand a new top-of-the-market contract upon being traded to his new team.
#AZCardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins admitted on @PatMcAfeeShow that he’s “been hearing a lot of trade talks.” On that subject, my understanding is if a trade did happen, he’d be flexible on the last two years of his contract – rather than shoot for a top-of-the-market deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2023
Cowboys Rumors: Trade target DeAndre Hopkins open to adjusting contract
This news could open the door for more teams to join the running.
Whether the Cowboys already reached out to Arizona, they have to be all in on Hopkins following this news. It’s the perfect storm for Jerry Jones: a big-name player (some would argue superstar) with a diminished trade value who’s open to renegotiating his contract. Hopkins doesn’t have the personality of an Odell Beckham Jr. or Stefon Diggs, but he checks all the other boxes Jones seeks in potential additions.
For whatever reason, money has been the bottom line for the outspoken owner. Despite what some theories claim, it motivated Jones to move off Amari Cooper’s $20 million salary last offseason for two 2022 fifth-round picks and a swap of 2022 sixth-round picks.
Hopkins will cost a little more than that, but it’s hardly a steep price to pay for a player of his acumen and relative to market value.
While Cooper was dealt for pennies on the dollar, Davante Adams went for a first-round pick (No. 22 overall) and second-round pick (No. 58 overall). As part of the deal, though, the Raiders signed Adams to a five-year, $141.5 million contract to make him the highest-paid receiver in the game at the time.
Cowboys need to give up that 2nd and 5th round pick to get DeAndre Hopkins…today! https://t.co/R84SYnQfqJ
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) March 8, 2023
That title now belongs to Tyreek Hill, who was traded from Kansas City to Miami for five draft picks, including a first-rounder, second-rounder, two fourths, and a sixth. Like Adams, Hill was signed to a four-year, $120 million contract as part of the trade, making him the game’s highest-earning WR in terms of annual average value.
Hopkins won’t cost anything close to that as far as draft capital and salary/cap commitments. In fact, he’s purportedly open to reworking his deal.
What more could the Cowboys want? Get it done.
