Latest On Cardinals, DeAndre Hopkins
The Cardinals have a new coaching staff, a new general manager, and the potential to pick a franchise player in the third overall pick. However, one of their key storylines for the off-season involves an internal player. 
Expand De Andre Hopkins has become the subject of trade speculation lately, particularly after it was revealed that its no-trade clause was no longer in force. This clause was waived as a result of the six-game PED suspension Hopkins served early in the 2022 campaign, which again saw his game action restricted. The 30-year-old has no guaranteed remaining money for his deal.
That could make him a trade contender, especially if the Cardinals look to rebuild under the head coach in the years to come Jonathan Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort. Hopkins showed he’s still productive when he’s healthy, rushing for 717 yards and three touchdowns in just nine games in 2022. However, one trade would result in cap savings of $8.1 million this season and just under $15 million in 2024.
“I had a great chat with D-Hop a few weeks ago,” said Ossenfort via team reporter Darren Urban. “I explained my philosophy to him. It was a great conversation. D-Hop has long been a great player in this league. I look forward to working with him. I think we’re at a very early stage when it comes to roster decisions like this.
The three-time All Pro has played three seasons in Arizona, the first of which was the only one in which he was available for a full campaign. Hopkins received a Pro Bowl nod in 2020 after recording his sixth career rushing yards season in a row, but has since been limited to 106 catches, 1,289 yards and 11 points. Those numbers are certainly notable, but they still fall short of expectations given the substantial extension he signed when traded from Houston. His deal brings in cap hits of $30.75 million and $26.2 million over the next two years.
Between that financial strain and Hopkins’ missed games, the trade value could be relatively overwhelming from the Cardinals’ perspective. Veteran reporter Mike Jurecki predicts (via Twitter) that Arizona could not make a first-round pick on a deal, with a more likely second-round pick coupled with a Day 3 pick. On the other hand, part of the reason an acquiring team might end up handing out a top pick is the unconvincing nature of this year’s free agent class at the position and the relative lack of impact wideouts in the 2023 draft class compared to previous years.
Ossenfort’s comments show that no decision has yet been made to keep Hopkins or move away. The Cardinals currently have just under $14 million in cap rank, but the team faces a number of challenges in improving a roster that went 4-13 last season. Hopkins’ future will no doubt have an impact on their offseason.