The Arizona Cardinals seem to be heading into full rebuild mode after a forgettable 2022 NFL season, which led to head coach Kliff Kingsbury being fired, superstar defensive end J.J. Watt calling it a career, and the team actively searching for a trade partner for star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Although the Cardinals were part of one of the biggest trades in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, Hopkins remained with the team as he was not included in the trade with the Houston Texans, nor was he sent elsewhere later in the first round.
As the league heads into the second and third rounds of the draft on Friday night, it appears Hopkins may still not be traded, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
From NFL Draft Kickoff: The #Lions have received calls centered around a potential D'Andre Swift trade, while it doesn't appear #AZCardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins is going anywhere soon. pic.twitter.com/8KfFWmU2FG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 28, 2023
Even though it could be argued that Hopkins is on the downside of his career at 30 years old, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that he can resurrect his career with another team, as Randy Moss did with the New England Patriots in 2007.
The head-scratching part of this situation in Arizona is what seems to be a lack of interest in the five-time All-Pro, but it could simply be the Cardinals not liking the offers they’re receiving from teams.
It’ll be interesting to see how things pan out for Hopkins and if he’ll be with a new team sooner rather than later or if he ultimately ends up staying in Arizona.
Staying put is likely not a scenario Hopkins desires at his age and stage of his NFL career, with the Cardinals headed in a rebuilding direction.
NEXT: Cardinals GM Provides Major DeAndre Hopkins Trade Update
