The Jets Have Interest In ‘Making A Run’ At Cardinals Pro-Bowl WR DeAndre Hopkins

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The New York Jets are reportedly interested in pursuing a trade for star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins of the Arizona Cardinals, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

A potential move that is said to be a part of the Jets’ plan to go all in around what will be newly acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers.

Breer revealed the Jets’ interest while answering his weekly mailbag, when he was asked directly about the Jets having interest in “making a run” at Hopkins now that the Baltimore Ravens acquired Odell Beckham, Breer stated that the Jets are interested in Hopkins, and added “conditionally.” noting that they will do everything they can to build a strong supporting cast around Rodgers if the contract numbers can be worked out.

Breer noted that the Jets were very interested in Beckham Jr. but ultimately did not want to pay the high price tag of $15 million for a single year. Hopkins though, is due $15.09 million in cash this year and $19.45 million in cash next year, which is similar than Beckham’s price tag, which creates a possible roadblock.

Breer also acknowledge that Hopkins, like Beckham, has a significant injury history and has not played a full season in a few years. But if the Jets can come to a suitable price point and Hopkins is willing to work with them on the money, then it could be worth taking the swing.

Hopkins is widely regarded as one of the better wide receivers in the NFL and would certainly be a valuable addition to any team. In his last full season with the Cardinals, in 2020, he caught 115 passes for 1,407 yards and six touchdowns. In his career, he has caught 853 passes for 11,298 yards and 71 touchdowns.

If the Jets do decide to pursue a trade for Hopkins, it would be a major move for the franchise and a significant statement of their commitment to building a strong team around Rodgers.

It remains to be seen whether a deal will actually come to fruition, but the mere fact that the Jets are interested shows that they are serious about competing at a high level in the coming years.

Update

Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner confirms that he and DeAndre Hopkins have been talking last week in Dallas.