The Arizona Cardinals have been on the ropes the entire offseason. The retirement of superstar DE JJ Watt at the end of last season has left the Arizona fanbase feeling uncertain and unsettled. As a result, the team is currently going through a difficult rebuilding phase, with no major free-agent signings and limited trade capital at their disposal. The only real asset left on the team is their 5-time All Pro WR Deandre Hopkins. 

Hopkins has been on the trade block for a while, especially as the receiver looks to transfer to a contending team in the midst of his prime. Hopkins appeared only in 9 games last season, as he was sidelined with a bevy of injuries and health concerns. But even in a down year, Hopkins was still a matchstick on gasoline when on the field. A dynamic and deceptively powerful receiving threat. 

Cardinals open up trade market for Deandre Hopkins

Reports have emerged that the Cardinals have given the green light to other NFL teams to directly negotiate with star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in order to facilitate a trade. As the offseason has been progressing, it has become evidently clear that a mutual parting of ways between Hopkins and the Cardinals was bound to happen. 

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Hopkins, who was traded to the Cardinals from the Houston Texans, is one of the best receivers in the game. With his elite talent, it’s no surprise that teams are clamoring to get their hands on him. The Cardinals have been asking for a second-round pick and more in exchange for Hopkins. This is no small price to pay, but the Cardinals are clearly looking for a significant return on their investment. 

Looking back at the Christian McCaffrey trade 

Some have compared the potential trade package to that of Christian McCaffrey. He was traded from the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers back in October. In the deal, the 49ers received McCaffrey in exchange for several draft picks, with the Panthers not sending any picks back in return.

In retrospect, the deal was a blessing in disguise for the 49ers. The Niners made the NFC Championship game last season under the top-tier play of McCaffrey. With a healthy QB room, the Niners are certainly amongst the frontrunners to make the Super Bowl next season. No matter the trade value that the Niners gave up, the deal was most definitely worth it. So for any prospective Hopkins suitors, whatever the cost, the price is worth a championship run. 

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