Getty Image / David Eulitt
This offseason, a lot is changing for the Arizona Cardinals.
They have a new head coach, new coordinators, and a new GM.
They are waiting to learn when star quarterback Kyler Murray will be able to return from an ACL tear.
When he does return, he may find another big change to the team. DeAndre Hopkins may no longer be on the roster.
There have been reports since the Cardinals’ 2022 season came to an end that that Hopkins could be traded.
Today, insider Benjamin Allbright appeared on the PHNX Cardinals podcast and revealed that the Kansas City Chiefs are the team to watch in the Hopkins sweepstakes this offseason.
Benjamin Allbright live now on @PHNX_Cardinals:
“Kansas City is the team to watch for DeAndre Hopkins.”
📺: https://t.co/3GXT8SDNV1 pic.twitter.com/mVgiqrlCWv
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) February 28, 2023
It wouldn’t be the much of a surprise to see the Chiefs pursue a talented wide receiver this offseason. After trading Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins, they turned to a platoon approach at the position while Travis Kelce served as the team’s top pass catcher.
This offseason, Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman are heading for free agency and the team could save $7 million by releasing Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Losing all 3 would leave the Chiefs with some unproven options around Mahomes and Kelce. Kadarius Toney has shown potential when healthy so far in his career and Skyy Moore was taken in round 2 for a reason, but the team would need to head into the year with some more dependable options.
DeAndre Hopkins could be just the guy they’re looking for. Despite missing 6 games because of a suspension and 2 more because of injury, Hopkins proved he is still an elite receiver in 2022.
In just 9 games, he racked up 64 catches for 717 yards even with Trace McSorley and Colt McCoy under center for 3 of those games.
In a full season playing with Patrick Mahomes he could put up some truly elite numbers and give the offense another threat.
Mahomes proved this season that he doesn’t need all that much help to be unbelievably good, picking up his 2nd MVP even after losing one of the league’s best receivers, but if you give him a talent like Hopkins, it just makes this Super Bowl-winning offensive even more intimidating.
This move would be a nightmare for defenses around the NFL and they should be ready for the Kansas City Chiefs to make it happen.