NFL Analysis Network

This Lions-Cardinals Trade Sends DeAndre Hopkins To Detroit

The Detroit Lions surprised a lot of people with how well they played down the stretch of the 2022 season. While it didn’t result in a playoff spot, as they lost the tiebreaker to the Seattle Seahawks, things are certainly looking up in the Motor City.

The Lions are certainly ahead of the timeline many had laid out for them as general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have cultivated quite a culture. The team is competitive and they were in an excellent spot this offseason to improve upon the foundation that has been built.

A lot of that attention was put into the defense, where Detroit struggled. Last season, the Lions ranked 28th in points allowed and 32nd in yardage. The offense was able to keep them afloat, but even an average defensive performance would have led to a playoff spot.

They are hoping for that kind of turnaround this season as the Lions are a popular pick for early playoff predictions. However, they shouldn’t rest on their laurels; if the opportunity presents itself to upgrade the roster, they should jump at it.

One potential target that could pique their interest is Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins. The Cardinals have reportedly decided to keep Hopkins after some rumors earlier in the offseason stated they were intent on moving him. But, if they are presented with a strong enough offer, they could change their mind.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports named the Lions as one of the logical landing spots for the former All-Pro. They were far from the only team mentioned, as Hopkins would improve a lot of wide receiver depth charts around the league.

“One of the most obvious trade candidates of the offseason, Hopkins remains an elite technician when healthy, but he’s missed 15 games the last two years and is due almost $30M at age 31 this upcoming season. Kyler Murray needs weapons like anyone, but 2023 is a true transition year for Arizona as Jonathan Gannon remakes the culture. Marquise Brown is also in tow and eligible for an extension, and Hopkins, whose exit would save an instant $8.9M, still profiles as a borderline No. 1 for a contender.”

What could a trade between the Lions and Cardinals look like? Detroit could offer one of the two third-round picks that they own in the 2024 NFL Draft along with a 2024 fifth-round pick to see if that is enough to get Arizona to bite.

Under a new regime, it would make sense for the Cardinals to stockpile as many assets as possible. Saving money by moving Hopkins is a nice reprieve as well for a team that has a lot of holes to fill on the roster.

For the Lions, Hopkins would make for an excellent pairing with Amon-Ra St. Brown for Jared Goff to target. Their depth at wide receiver also took a hit with multiple players, including 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams, being suspended for sports gambling.

Hopkins has proven that when healthy he remains one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. It would be a worthwhile risk for the Lions to take a chance on him as he could help take their offense to another level despite finishing as a top-five offense last season.

Share on Facebook
Share On Twitter

Seattle Seahawks Emerging As Mac Jones Trade Suitor?

The New England Patriots face a crucial decision this offseason, particularly concerning their quarterback situation. It’s widely expected that they will use their third-overall pick

Former NFL QB Urges Seahawks To Make Blockbuster Draft Trade

New Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald recently danced around a question about whether or not he was committed to Geno Smith as his starting

New Seahawks’ Coach Makes Strange Comment On Geno Smith

There were some questions as to whether or not the Seattle Seahawks would keep quarterback Geno Smith on the roster heading into 2024, but the