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One of the most fascinating non-quarterback stories this offseason resides in Arizona with DeAndre Hopkins and his future with the Cardinals. He has been the subject of many commercial rumors over the past few months, and it’s possible the rubber will find that path between now and the start of the 2023 regular season. And because of the events that took place last year, there’s an easier path for the Cards to move it if that’s the case. next course of action.
As Notes from CBS Sports Contributor and Former NFL Agent Joel Corry, the no-trade clause in Hopkins’ contract was voided after the wide receiver was suspended by the NFL last May for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy. Now, Hopkins has significantly less influence over where he would be traded next, which creates more flexibility for Arizona to recoup as many assets as possible if the franchise wants to move him.
Even as he’s set to enter next season at age 31, Hopkins is seen as one of the best wide receivers in the league. In the nine games he played after returning from suspension this season, he had 64 receptions for 717 yards and three touchdowns. Over a 17-game season in that clip, Hopkins would be on track to have a career-high 121 receptions along with 1,354 receiving yards.
Given those numbers, you might be wondering why Arizona would want to move a player like that. Well, Kyler Murray is recovering from an ACL injury, which could prevent him from being available to start the season. With a sick quarterback and a team ready to rebuild with a new head coach and new GM, it doesn’t make much sense to keep him on board, especially with the $19.45 million base salary he’s expected to pay in 2023. The Cardinals would also free up about $8.25 million if they exited it this offseason.
That largely answers the “why” Arizona might be inclined to move him, and now that last year’s transgressions have voided the no-trade clause, the Cardinals will have an easier time exploring that possibility in the coming weeks and months.
