WR Deandre Hopkins?
 

I saw a few articles suggesting that the Cardinals might trade Deandre Hopkins this offseason. They've only won 4 games this year, might need to cash in and rebuild. Many believe he'd end up in NE after Bill Belichick flirted with him on the sidelines recently, but I'm wondering if he wants to play for a winning team at some point in his career. Others, like the Giants are speculating he could be had for a 2nd RD pick, which means if we were interested it would likely cost us a 2nd + an additional pick.

Hopkins contract salary is for $19.5m & $15m over the next two years, even if you paid JuJu $20m you'd still only be paying $10m more than Tyreek's contract for both. Hopkins missed 6 games, and JuJu has missed 1, but JuJu is only 160 yards ahead of Hopkins, both with 3 TDS and 11 yards per catch, so he hasn't lost a step. Hopkins also plays on the outside, and we could really use a tall outside WR, plus he's a phenomenal deep threat.

I think it'd be really interesting to explore a Deandre Hopkins trade this offseason with all those extra picks, for maybe a 2nd & 5th(?), to hopefully pair him with JuJu. Let Hardman, Watson AND MVS ($8.5m next year & $11.5m the following) walk.

Imagine rolling that Tyreek trade into the greatest passing attack we've ever had, and then blowing THAT offense out of the water the following year!

TE Kelce - Stalwart Goat TE
WR Hopkins - Tall Star Outside Deep Threat
WR JuJu - Big & Tall Slot Star
WR Toney - Fast & Crazy Agile Gadget / Returner
WR Moore - Chain Mover, grows into highly reliable route runner & pass catcher
WR Ross - Surprise Talent, has 2 year to learn from Hopkins
WR Rookie - New Blood

Id do that so fast!

Hopkins would be deadly with Patrick throwing him the ball. He is exactly what we are missing. If this deal is possible, I would love to see it happen!

I thought the whole point of trading Hill was that we didn’t need to spend a significant portion of our cap at WR. Mahomes has proven that we can be a #1 offense with our current skill players. I’d prefer to continue the rebuild through the draft and spend our cap $ on oline or defense.

I remember when Deshawn Watson would just throw the ball deep down the field and pray, Hopkins seemed to always come down with it. I used to always argue that their offense wasn't sustainable because no way they could just heave it up to Hopkins for a 50:50 ball like that all the time, but they did.

True, but how about spending a moderate amount of $ on x2 WRs?

Or, some might even argue he's more valuable than JuJu and worth the picks.

If it could be done reasonably, it'd almost be criminal not to acquire DHop.

Nah

Didn’t wanna pay Tyreek so you could spread that $ out

Go find the next jjss

You’re forgetting that if you have DHop, you don’t need MVS or JJSS. Maybe not even Hardman (as long as we have Toney). You could load up on drafted WRs or pick up a pile of young WRs in FA, because you have a true WR1.

Hopkins salary is very reasonable for the next two years, especially for a WR of his caliber.

Less than what JuJu will likely expect

Two years of Hopkins for half what Tyreek made? Sign me up.

Idk man. He’s 30 and hurt a lot.

Edit: he missed 6 games both this year and last year and other than that only ever missed 1 a year. Seems I’m mixing him up with someone else in the Texans that was always hurt.

Nonetheless I’m not keen on paying 31 and 32 year old WRs. Plus he may hold out given what dudes are making.

I'm not sure about hurt a lot, but yes he is 30+ years old. Which is why the Chiefs could be a good home for him. We'd take some pressure off of him, give him a chance to win. He could settle in with Andy and Pat and sign a new contract with us similar to JuJu this offseason. Hopkins at $19.5m in 2022 + $15m in 2023, so maybe we could convince JuJu to accept something similar, $15m in 2022 and $19.5m in 2023. That's only $35m per year for x2 stars, where Tyreek was going to cost $30m himself.

Given the gaping holes at DE, and OT, and the fact that we have like the #1 offense in football anyway, no I'd rather not invest in an often injured 30 year old WR.

The 6 he missed this year was because of suspension, too. He's been mostly reliable health-wise.

Okay so what about this?

2 locks, 1 extension
- Skyy is here
- Toney is here
- Bring back JuJu

3 departures
- Hardman leaves in FA for big money
- Watson is not retained
- MVS is either released (POTENTIAL OUT: 2023, 1 YR, $9,000,000; $4,000,000 DEAD CAP) or part of a trade package.

3 "go-gets"
- Trade for DeAndre Hopkins OR Trade (less) for Tyler Lockett.
- Sign a FA: Sterling Shepard, DJ Chark, Mack Hollins, Allen Lazard (OR keep MVS)
- Draft a rookie WR

Camp fodder with a chance
- Justyn Ross


Leaves you with:
- Hopkins OR Lockett [Big Money]
- JuJu [Big Money]
- Toney [Rookie Money]
- Shepard OR Chark OR Hollins OR Lazard OR MVS [Mid Money]
- Skyy [Rookie Money]
- Rookie OR Justyn Ross [Rookie Money]

I'm good with any of these scenarios. IMO they are all an upgrade from where we are now.

It was Fuller that I was thinking was always injured.

I dig it, here's my plan:

- Hopkins [Biggish Money]
- JuJu [Biggish Money]
- Toney [Rookie Money]
- Skyy [Rookie Money]
- Justyn Ross [Rookie Money]
- Rookie [Rookie Money]
- Watson [~$1m Optional Addition]

Bottom 3 battle for reps

No.

I think we'd have difficulty finding a better discounted contract on talent anywhere in the league outside of a rookie deal. Guy's still a ~top 5 WR, I'd probably rather pay him than JuJu if I had my choice of either on a 2 yr contract. Trading the 2nd hurts, but not so bad if you consider you're likely to get a Mecole Hardman type, and not a Deandre Hopkins, with that pick.

He probably won’t play for $15M. He probably holds out or asks for a trade for a long term deal? We traded tyreek with one year left on his deal. We could have kept him for one more year and then traded him. Veach doesn’t normally sign older players unless they are cheap on one year deals. I’m not saying it’s a terrible idea at all. It’s a great idea but the assumptions for how this would work are faulty. Dhop wants a new deal if traded.

Agreed, but can he expect that after missing 6 games this season? Or would he have to play for a year on his $19.5m 2023 contract before he could expect an extension?

I don't know who needs to hear this, but no, we don't have time to run wasp.

This.

I'd love Hop here - he'd be lethal opposite Kelce with his route running ability, hands, and ability to catch contested passes. But with our needs elsewhere, his return on investment when you consider the state of our o-tackles and defensive line, especially considering how we have the top offense right now without him or Tyreek or studs at left or right tackles, it just doesn't make sense.

We need to throw our resources at the non-sexy positions this offseason (defensive end not being non-sexy), and I figure it's going to bring some frustration because players like D-Hop would be amazing playing with Mahomes.

Salary cap is important but also, remember Veach was going to pay Tyreek north of 20 mil a season while also adding JuJu.

He was also offering Orlando a huge LT contract at the same time.

So while it seems we may not be able to afford it, Veach is unafraid!

I love watching this man work.

Nope.

JuJu and Hopkins occupy the same role except Hopkins is better at it.

It makes no sense to have them both. And again, no one is paying JJSS $20M a year. WTF.

Hopkins to replace JJSS? Im for it. And i'd retain Hardman.

Hopkins
MVS
Toney
Hardman
Moore
Rookie

Vegas has KC as #1 most likely destination for Hopkins in 2023.

Interesting.

Not paying someone that old that much money. This draft will have alot of talent

And before Watson, Hopkins made Hoyer look like a competent QB.;)

still not only no, but **** no.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">...<a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatrickMahomes</a> is different ��</p>&mdash; Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeAndreHopkins/status/1625173847178874882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hop would have to take a pay cut. He is old and coming off a roid tarnished season.

Still No.

Thought about putting a youtube video link to someone screaming no but didn't. :D

The only way you trade for a 30-year-old WR is if it's a day 3 pick. So, the real question is if you think the Cards would accept a day 3 pick. If your answer is no then I wouldn't think about it further. If your answer is yes, I'd love to hear how that's a value.

FWIW Verderame said on his pod that it would essentially be a 2 year $36 million with basically option years.

Not sure if that’s how the money works but I’d consider that if that was the case

Man......I don't think I'm interested in that.

But, devils advocate, he does play a style that lends to the way we played last year.

The problem is that this FA class sucks. I’ve heard it multiple times that this is one of the worst FA classes ever.

Not sure if that's true. DHop is closer to the end of his career than the beginning, and he's already made his money, to the tune of over $110M for his career so far. He could be a ring-hunter at this point, and therefore willing to take a pay cut and a short contract to finally be a SB champion.

And he's still playing at a very high level, at or near his prime. He might be too old to be the long-term answer at WR1, but he could definitely fill that role as a dominant bridge for the next two to three years until Veach drafts the long-term WR1.

So it would be the base salaries for Hopkins which are 2 years, $34.5 million. I would sign up for that all day if we trade a day 3 pick.

Again no guaranteed $$

Yeah, if you can get Hopkins for a Day 3 pick AND he is willing to play out the deal... sure.

But how likely are either of those things?

1/20 on the first and 1/50 on the second?

If either is not true, it's a pass for KC.

This is true, he might have more incentive to be in KC than JuJu who might want to score the biggest contract he can. I would also add that it's probable that joining KC takes some pressure off of Hopkins to be the #1 and extends his career longevity allowing him to further capitalize.

The only thing I have against this idea, which I mostly love anyways, is that we'd realistically have to give up a 2nd or 3rd plus a late round pick or conditional pick next year, and pay him a significant contract. I speculate this is the case because many other team's fanbases are projecting they will offer a 2nd for him. When it's possible we might be able to accomplish the same production by spending either just the pick(s), or the money, elsewhere.

Meh. I've been convinced this will never happen anyway, but it's fun to speculate. I would say that if all it took was a 3rd this year and a future 3rd/4th/whatever, that's worth it. Take that deal and run very fast.

This is precisely how I feel.

Trading for Hopkins isn't the problem. The money can work as is. Changing the money or paying more than day 3 is an absolute no in my opinion. Can a team outbid a low 4th rounder from KC? You bet your ass they can, and likely will.

Is he really even worth it? I mean I know he's a good player, but man he's over 30.

I think he's worth the 2/$34M his current contract would cost you. But I don't really believe he's going to play on that.

Maybe (MAYBE) he would agree to something that involves playing on it if his year 2 is voided if they win the SB or make the AFC championship game or something like that, but who knows?

And the Chiefs are definitely going to have to send their 2nd and maybe more to get him. Does that really clock?

Hasn't he already voiced that he wants a new contract?

If he hasn't, the rumor has been floated by NFL reporters, which means his agent has voiced it to reporters.

I just don’t see this happening. Plus we need to give skyy and toney a shot. We already had the number #1 offense. I’d invest in the o-line and the defense. That’s what the chiefs need to win with mahomes and Andy. We can win the sb with cheaper free agents and draft picks at wr and rb.

This is a practical take, but I think trading for Hopkins would more of a "let's blow the lid off this mother ****er" type move that further separates us from the rest of the league.

I don't think he's worth it AT ALL to the Kansas City Chiefs.

I think this is regressive thinking.

This offense is now predicated on multiple places to go with the ball, and paying Hopkins is a step back to hero ball, which was showing diminishing returns.

This is not the way.

I think that's a fair argument. I think when folks are dreaming of this scenario there also expecting Hopkins to be comfortable taking a step down in his responsibilities and acting more as a 1b or 2a weapon.

That's seriously wishful thinking. Somebody will pay him, thinking he's the missing piece. KC should not, and there's no way they will. They've already pivoted to a different path.

KC is zigging while the rest of the league zags.

You need weapons, no question. But you don't need high dollar, top of the market guys. If you can draft and develop them, cool-but absolutely don't buy them at elite prices.

With the reports that Golladay is going to be cut, I think that would be our vet WR target. Nothing revives a career like playing for the best QB and offensive mind in the business.

Not down with either Hopkins or Golladay.

Both for many reasons.

But what career is Kenny Golladay going to revive here? He is the same receiver he has always been. Disappointing.

He was a good WR with Stafford throwing to him. Not so good in the Danny Dimes/Joe Judge O.

I'd rather offer a 2 year 34 million contract to Michael Gallup and save the draft pick. Gallup is most likely to get more years and dollars from someone else but dangle it out there for him and give him a chance to play with Mahomes and this offense and see what happens. What could it hurt? And I say that as a fan of Hopkins that would be thrilled to see him here.

And we're all assuming they won't throw some money at JuJu this offseason, too. I know he has the knee issue, but would any of us be shocked to see JJSS back next season?

How did that work out for Detroit?

It's not like he lit the world on fire in Detroit either. He maxed out at 70 rec. for one season and year after year after that he has declined.

Kenny Golladay for his skillset has been a disappointment in the NFL.

I'm not quite down with the idea that just because of Mahomes that he will bring out everything you have hoped for in all these never lived up to expectation guys. The idea of all the reclamation projects will be successful is a disaster waiting to happen.

The plus side of any receiver coming to KC - Mahomes and Andy with a shot at the title.

The downside of any receiver coming to KC - no matter who you are and what you've done, you will NOT be the 1A receiving option here. The receiving option in this offense is powered by Kelce first and foremost. The whole damned offense is built around him, really. Can Hopkins play second fiddle to a tight end? Maybe? I feel Gallup or Golladay could, but I wonder if DHop would be ok with lesser numbers than he's used to putting up*.



*and I say that understanding Tyreek had 156 targets his last season here. I feel it's obvious to say this offense became better and more lethal when Mahomes was forced to spread it around more and not force feed it to two guys

If he is cheap, he is worth a shot. That is my position.

For a guy that was making 18 million dollars per year. I doubt you and him see eye to eye on what is cheap.

UGH! Why did you even speak Kenny Golladay's name into existence!? My instant gut reaction to that post is that you're 100% correct. He's absolutely the kind of buy-low, under the radar, retread, career reviving type of contract I expect the Chiefs to find this offseason. It's honestly too perfect not to be exactly what happens, but I wish you'd never put that idea out into the ether because I fear it becomes a self full-filling prophecy now.

Not that I have anything against Golladay, or that I'd hate adding him, just not sure he's the impact player I'm dreaming about in this thread.

I would also be looking at Tyler Lockett, Hollywood Brown in a trade.


Both would add explosive playmaking ability while not breaking the bank.

Lockett is too old IMO.

Look younger.

DK Metcalf.

Seattle just extended him.

He's 30.

The point is to not give big contracts to guys that are older.


If he's in at a good rate (16 million or less) why not for 2 years?

I'll give them 4-134, 6-217, and a choice of RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire or LB Willie Gay Jr.

They get a couple more picks and a RB that could split carries with Conner or Gay could step into a vacant ILB role for them in their 3-4.

That is what you would give them.

But what would you give him?

Access to my personal trainer. Ha

Veach wouldn't get rid of a young and about to hit his prime LB for a washed WR that's going to maybe play half the season if he's lucky

That's alot for an old WR though maybe a 4 & 6 I'm not trading Gay this year. We draft right I think we could have a top 10 defense

Is that what you are calling him now?:D

Let's play a game that's theoretically possible but won't happen:

Say we draft Mazi Smith in round 1. Which I don't think happens with a Jones extension.

Round 2 you grab a EDGE I think there's several there to choose from (not likely you pay Jones, Draft a DT round 1, with last year's pick a 1st rounder)

Trade a 4 & 6th for Hopkins

You have arguably an elite defensive line, one of the better Linenacker duos in the league, with a battle tested young secondary in which you can build more depth because you still have several picks left.

Oh and an offense with a top 10 WR, A top 5 TE of all time, Top 5 HOF QB of all time, and an emerging RB in Pacheco with one of the best offensive lines in the league and 1 of the greatest coaches of all time.

How much are you paying Hopkins?

Yes! I would be stoked for Breese or Mazi in RD 1 and a DE, maybe Tuipolutu, Hall, or Carter in RD 2, but I think you'd probably have to move a 3rd + conditional 2024 pick to get Hopkins. Use our 4th rounders on a RT and a Safety to compete for spots and play ball! This is what I want, currently. Let's go!

https://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=347383

He implied that he'd play on his current contract with the Chiefs.

I haven't seen that. Could you bring it up so I could see it?

I saw him say on the Pat McAfee show that he had hired an agent so he wouldn't get the short end of the stick this time. I could probably find a youtube video of him saying it. But it begs the question. If his last deal is the short end of the stick, why would he play on it? Which I would also add in the question is nearly 20 million per year the short end of the stick? Sheesh...

I think he wants new deal, with more guaranteed money and more money per year based off the statements I have heard from him.

But only him and his agent knows what he wants. :shrug:

I’m afraid, if he’s healthy to play, he would become disgruntled, if he did not see enough passes headed his direction. After awhile, he would become a distraction, imo.