The Las Vegas Raiders have been making some big moves this offseason as they look to bounce back into playoff contention after a down season. But there are still plenty of other moves to potentially be made and one of the biggest names available is Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins.
Despite remaining one of the best receivers in the NFL, Hopkins is on the trade block as the Cardinals look to offload salary. Where he winds up remains unclear, but the Raiders are apparently one of the teams with a shot at acquiring him.
One of Hopkins’ close friends, former NFL CB Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones made an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show and he listed five teams with a shot at landing the star wideout and the Raiders were on that list, via Donnie Druin of Sports Illustrated:
“My sources tell me that D-Hop is getting hot right now, interest is heating up and it’s five teams on that list. We’ll start with the Falcons. The Falcons need some help – they need wide receivers. I think that can fit,” said Jones before expanding on the list.
“Ravens: I think if Lamar’s deal goes and gets done, my sources tell me that might be a landing spot. One of the biggest teams my sources tells me is the Buffalo Bills … My sources tell me Buffalo can work. I also like the Raiders too. The Raiders are on the board also.”
Wide receiver isn’t necessarily the biggest need for the Raiders with DaVante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Renfrow forming a more than an adequate group. But the opportunity to bring in a talent like Hopkins could be too much to pass up if it is there.
His last two seasons have been marred with injury and suspension, but in the four prior years, Hopkins made the Pro Bowl every year, was an All-Pro First-Team selection three times and a Second-Team selection once. He totaled at least 1,165 yards and six touchdowns in all four of those years.
A duo of Hopkins and Adams would be one of the most talented receiver combinations not just today but in the history of the NFL. But exactly what it would cost for the Raiders to acquire Hopkins is unclear. The Cardinals reportedly would want at least a second-round pick, but recent trades for other wide receivers have been far less than that, though admittedly those players weren’t Hopkins.
No one would fault the Raiders if they chose to focus their attention on the other roster needs, but Hopkins would surely look good in silver and black.
