Packers Should Pass on Deandre Hopkins
He won't come cheap for cap-strapped Pack.
By KenLass
The Arizona Cardinals have gone public with their desire to trade receiver Deandre Hopkins. At least two national oddsmakers have listed the Green Bay Packers as the most likely place for Hopkins to land.
That’s not surprising. Ever since the Pack shipped off Davante Adams to the Raiders, Green Bay is always speculated upon as the number one destination for every pass catcher of note that becomes available. We heard the rumors about everyone from Odell Beckham to Julio Jones to Brandin Cooks to Chase Claypool.
Hopkins figures to have plenty of suitors. He is a big name. A three-time first team All Pro. If you google great catches in NFL history, Hopkins will be featured on some of them. From 2017 to 2020, playing for the Texans and the Cardinals, Hopkins never had less than 96 receptions, nor less than 1,378 yards. During that stretch he caught 38 touchdown throws.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst said last week that the team would benefit greatly from some added veteran leadership in the receiver room. This would be particularly important to the 2023 team if Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard do not return.
But trading for the former Clemson star would be a mistake for the Packers, and there are several reasons why. First of all, there is the money. Hopkins has two years remaining on his contract, averaging $17.5 million per year. For a Green Bay team already up to its ears in bloated salaries, it’s hard to see how this one could be made to fit, unless there was a restructure pushing a large chunk of it into future years. The Packers are already looking at a number of pushbacks with current players just to get under the projected 2023 cap.
Hopkins is now 30 years old, and his productivity has fallen off in the past two seasons. In 2021 he appeared in just ten games and finished with career lows in receptions and yards. He missed seven of the last nine games with hamstring and knee injuries. There are off-the-field concerns as well. The player teammates call D-Hop was suspended for the first six games of this past season for violating league policies regarding performance enhancing drugs. Upon returning in week seven, he posted decent stats. He finished 2022 playing nine games with 64 catches for 717 yards and three touchdowns. His numbers took a dive when the Cardinals lost quarterback Kyler Murray for the season and Hopkins had back-ups throwing to him. He sat out the final two games with another knee problem.
Presumably, one of the main reasons the Packers would sign a veteran receiver is to be a mentor to young talent such as Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. There are reports Hopkins has been willing to function in such a role, but would he be happy with that as his primary function? He is accustomed to being the man, not to being the old timer who catches an occasional third down conversion and spends most of his time explaining the ropes to younger players.
His presence would more likely hinder the development of Watson and Doubs by cutting back on their targets. The Cardinals want to trade Hopkins because they want to rebuild with a new coach, a new system and younger, less expensive players. The Packers should be taking note of this. They might not have a new coach, but they also find themselves starting over at certain positions, such as receiver.
There will be other options out there. Receivers who are more productive, younger and less expensive, but still experienced enough to play the mentor role. The list includes Juju Smith-Schuster, A.J. Green, Jarvis Landry, Parris Campbell, Jakobi Meyers and Darius Slayton. Heck, I’d rather see the Packers pay Lazard the money to bring him back, rather than fork over $17.5 million for Hopkins.
Two other teams reported to be strongly interested in D-Hop are the Bears and the Patriots. This is the kind of acquisition I expect the Bears to do a lot of. They are flush with cap space, which allows them to take a lot of chances on players like this, guys who may be washed up, but who also may explode back to all pro form. The Packers don’t have that luxury. They have to make every dollar count until they get out from under the Aaron Rodgers contract. Part of that entails keeping their draft capital and focusing on acquiring more good, young players who will be cheap for the next four or five years.
Speaking of Rodgers, how would a trade for Hopkins affect his thinking? No doubt it would be an incentive for him to come back for another spin. If Gutekunst is telling the truth about staying with the team’s commitment to Rodgers, then maybe he views Hopkins as the vehicle to entice QB12 back.
All of which seems terribly short sighted and financially irresponsible. These things turn out to be mistakes more often than not. The Tampa Bay Bucs didn’t get much out of Julio Jones this season. The New York Giants signing of Kenny Golladay was a disaster. Allen Robinson was a flop for the Rams. Let somebody else take a chance on Hopkins. Keep your draft picks. Draft another receiver and a tight end. Sign somebody like Jarvis Landry, who is the same age, but who will come much cheaper.
Or shoot, just bring back Cobb for another year.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (48)
egbertsouse
January 16, 2023 at 07:42 am
Yeah, they should sign Lazard instead of getting a top flight WR. This team needs more JAGs to get to better. They should shoot for 9-8 next season.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
January 16, 2023 at 08:22 am
Yeah they should totally give up draft capital and salary cap space that they dont have to pretend to chase another super bowl with Rodgers.
NickPerry
January 16, 2023 at 08:25 am
Well said RTS...Well said..
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
January 16, 2023 at 08:37 am
Fans dont even understand what theyre asking for. Rodgers wont show up to OTA's again and not work out with his new receiver followed by a lot of fingerpointing when said new receiver misses some of Rodgers' precious hand signals that he doesnt f'ing teach. Rinse and repeat. Its all so tiresome and predictable.
Guam
January 16, 2023 at 08:04 am
Hard pass on another older, high dollar veteran WR. Not even sure the "attract Rodgers" angle is real - Rodgers never meshed with Sammy Watkins. Rodgers has very particular behavior he wants from his WRs (very precise routes and timing) and who is to say that Hopkins or any other vet has those traits? Just because he is a vet doesn't mean he will sync up with QB1. Not to mention the Packers don't have $17 million in cap space available. Hard pass.
Johnblood27
January 16, 2023 at 08:11 am
Yo, where America's day begins...
You have all the bases covered, so just an attaboy and Hafa Adai Brah!
Guam
January 16, 2023 at 09:06 am
Hafa Adai JB27,
You have been to sunny Guam! I spent eight years there and thoroughly enjoyed my time - great people and year around sun, surf and golf (with a little work thrown in). And yes, Guam is the first American land the sun shines on very day - thanks to the international date line. That seems to confuse many people from the east coast.
Johnblood27
January 16, 2023 at 07:12 pm
I married a gal that was born and raised on Guam and Saipan. 24 years together then she died from cancer. I married her cousin from Tinian! keepin it in the family! I love the Chamorro culture. Been to Saipan and Tinian many times, wish I was there now.
Guam
January 17, 2023 at 08:26 am
Chamorro culture is a rich and inclusive one. I really liked the people of Guam. My business covered all of the Mariana's as well as other islands so I got to see much of the Western Pacific region. One of the best times of my life. And, since I am now spending winters in Wisconsin, I wish I was there now too!
wildbill
January 16, 2023 at 11:19 pm
Spent time on Guam, one of my sisters was born there. My father was in the Air Force
Esquetoi
January 17, 2023 at 05:04 am
One time Guamanian here. Spent a lot of time up in Dededo. Had to get away from the ship.
Untylu1968
January 16, 2023 at 08:13 am
But just think how much better those third and one bombs would work!?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
January 16, 2023 at 08:23 am
About as good as the 4th and 1 bombs.
BirdDogUni
January 16, 2023 at 09:27 am
Hear, hear...
Packers0808
January 16, 2023 at 10:38 am
Definitely!
croatpackfan
January 16, 2023 at 08:16 am
NO! NO! NO!
I will not explain why. If some do not understand why, that is their problem.
NickPerry
January 16, 2023 at 08:22 am
Hard pass on D-Hop. Yes, he could come in and improve the WR room for Rodgers or Love. Yes, he could be a mentor to Watson and Doubs. But as Kenn has alluded to he makes a shit-ton of money, he's been injured...a lot, and it's the opposite of what the Packers SHOULD be doing. Draft, draft, and DRAFT the new talent for this club. This team isn't a player or even two as Rodgers suggested at the end of the season.
This team is a DC away, a Team President from resigning or at least a Team President who will allow his GM to do the job like Wolf and Thompson were allowed to do. We also can't forget the contracts this team is stuck with either. WHY would you want to ADD to the number of inflated contracts on this roster like a aging WR.
This team needs OLB, Safeties, and another WR before we add a vet to the mix. At least one making THAT much money.
Until Murphy is gone my only hope is Gute is left the hell alone to have drafts like this past one so when they do finally get rid of Murphy and Rodgers this team is ready to roll.
T7Steve
January 16, 2023 at 08:25 am
Ken, I copied this when I first read it, "There will be other options out there. Receivers who are more productive, younger and less expensive, but still experienced enough to play the mentor role." because I was thinking "just keep Lazard". Then you said it too.
Only free agent signings I'd agree with are unsigned proven Packers (such as the past presidents), proven FA young tight ends or lineman (O&D).
All the rest due to the cap issues should be drafted or un-drafted FAs to develop.
Handsback
January 16, 2023 at 08:28 am
As long as MLF is the coach, having a big name receiver like Adams or Hopkins doesn't move the needle much in regards to their offense. A player like Lazard who blocks and efficient as a receiver is more important in his scheme.
In fact I think, don't know for sure, but think a running back who catches the ball is much more valuable in MLF's offense.
Losing Jones will almost shut there offense down so they have to have another similar player.
So don't see Hopkins signing on for that reason. Now AR may need him as a security blanket, but he's too expensive for that.
Razer
January 16, 2023 at 08:28 am
But what about Odell Beckham? :o(
BirdDogUni
January 16, 2023 at 09:24 am
We can't afford a cardboard box! Que SLN skit...
jannesbjornson
January 16, 2023 at 12:11 pm
In Living Color,
"This Old Box."
NickPerry
January 16, 2023 at 08:36 am
IF the Packers weren't 8-9, weren't cash strapped, didn't have Mark Murphy playing owner, didn't have issues at safety, TE, and edge, and didn't have to pay that ridiculous contract to Aaron Rodgers, then I could probably be talked into Jakobi Meyers. I think that KID, could really be something with a QB like Love and teammates like Watson and Doubs.
But that Packers do have all those issues and so much more.
jannesbjornson
January 16, 2023 at 09:16 am
Get another WR in rd 2-3.
Razer
January 16, 2023 at 09:19 am
If you listened to the Brian Gutekunst press conference, you would think that the championship was just around the corner. Other than some injuries and slow to recovering O-linemen, this team can still compete. If it wasn't for the substandard, below 500 results that was our season, I might be tempted to follow blindly. I think that you are closer to the truth on this team. Hopkins would yet another unsustainable piece to a top heavy roster.
PeteK
January 16, 2023 at 11:05 am
Meyers is a very solid WR, 6TDs, 67 catches, and only 26.
NickPerry
January 16, 2023 at 08:17 pm
I know Pete, and that was with Mac Jones and NO offensive coordinator. I now Matt Patricia was the OC but gimmie a break.
Part of me still thinks MLF's "Scheme" can work. It's just not going to work with Rodgers. Rodgers hates lining up under center and he hates throwing to the middle of the field...Two things which make the MLF scheme work.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
January 16, 2023 at 08:47 am
When does the madness end? Its January and receiver fever is already in full swing. Maybe if we just get another receiver Rodgers wont look like a 40 year old malcontent just sucking up a paycheck??? Were always gonna be "one player away" cuz Rodgers has proven repeatedly that he just cant get it done when it matters. What part of Rodgers' play this year makes anyone confident this team is just an expensive receiver away? Theyre not even a playoff team, let alone a super bowl caliber team. And no new addition receiver who Rodgers wont work with in the offseason or OTA's is going to change that. Its time for the front office and fans alike to accept the reality thats staring everyone right in the face.
Lphill
January 17, 2023 at 08:52 am
did Rodgers miss time with an injured Watson in OTA's?
BAMABADGER
January 16, 2023 at 08:52 am
I'd pass on a soon to be 31 year old WR.
dobber
January 16, 2023 at 08:59 am
They already dealt one away...
mrtundra
January 16, 2023 at 09:03 am
It's time for Jordan Love to start. Draft a TE and then a WR to replace Lazard. I'd pass on Hopkins. Too old, too expensive and too near the end of his career, to come to GB. If we keep Rodgers, we can look for more of the same of what happened this past season. The man is a certifiable 1st ballot HOFer, but his time has passed in GB. GB needs to get with the NFL trend of having young QBs leading teams. I think Love's future is bright and he will have a good rapport with his young receivers. It's time for Love.
ricky
January 16, 2023 at 09:22 am
Your last sentence was my first thought when the idea of bringing in Hopkins was broached. He is a veteran, he has good chemistry with Rodgers, and would be a terrific role model for the younger guys. Would he be willing to be primarily a mentor for the younger guys? I think so. He's always seemed like a guy who is willing to do whatever he can to help the team. As far as bring back Lazard, he is one of those guys who do the "little things" that go unnoticed, until he's gone. He's a solid possession receiver, an excellent blocker, and knows Rodgers and the system very well. By all means, try to bring them back, draft another WR and TE, and have these guys help them fit into the system.
Guam
January 16, 2023 at 11:11 am
"he has good chemistry with Rodgers, and would be a terrific role model for younger guys."
And you know this how? I think you are hoping the above two characteristics are there, but it would be a $17 million gamble (plus lost draft choices in the trade) to find out. Sammy Watkins had no chemistry with Rodgers and I never heard that he did anything for the young Packer receivers.
ricky
January 16, 2023 at 11:56 am
Read the last sentence of the article. The writer said the team could simply bring back Cobb. That is who I was referring to.
Guam
January 16, 2023 at 05:00 pm
Apologies, missed the reference. Thanks for the correction.
ricky
January 16, 2023 at 07:57 pm
No problem. I should have been more clear that Cobb could easily be the mentor, not only because he is a good football player, but a good man off the field.
BirdDogUni
January 16, 2023 at 09:50 am
What part of 15 million over-the-cap don't people understand?
The only way I trade for DHop is if it is for AR12 straight up... Then I still draft another WR in the 2nd round, because DHop will miss time.
I have no problem surrounding Love with weapons, but if in fact AR12 is our QB (which he will be unless we trade him) we can't afford anything but draft picks and we can barely afford those. In fact, we can't afford our rookie draft class right now, until we rework countless contracts already on the books.
I understand writers have to write something, but please focus on the draft, since it is the only realistic way we improve this roster this year, or the foreseeable future.
stockholder
January 16, 2023 at 10:14 am
Buy Low Sell high. Something the current FO just can figure out.
You can't say rebuild one second. And All in, next.
If it sounds too good to be true, It probably is.
Pass on a Vet WRs. The separation or the price is GONE.
Face it. Getting the results is the answer.
And it's time the TEs become part of the desire first.
13TimeChamps
January 16, 2023 at 10:22 am
No offense to Ken, but I don't understand the need for this article to be even written. I've always defended Gutekunst, but if there is ANY thought of bringing in a declining, aging WR making $17 mil, to pair with a declining, aging QB making $50 mil, my opinion of him would drastically change.
How often do you see almost 100% agreement within the comment section? That should tell you something right there. I'll add mine...NO!
Leatherhead
January 16, 2023 at 10:23 am
The answer is ALWAYS another WR.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
January 16, 2023 at 11:07 am
Absolutely a big time NO!
The WR I have a pre-draft crush on this year is Quentin Johnston, WR from TCU. Guys & gals this is the stud WR and you are going to see me post this many times between now and the draft. If you have not already gone and watched 2 or 3 highlight Youtube videos of this guy....well, it is a must see! Frankly, I can only imagine what having him on the field with fellow WR's like Watson, Doubs & Toure next year. This combination will terrorize opposing defenses & defensive coordinators and as long as the Packers starting QB (Love or Rodgers) has enough time to throw I pity those defensive DB's and Safety's trying to defend him.
At 6'4" and 215 lbs with speed (I have read he runs somewhere between 4.38 and 4.4) the guy is an animal. He is extremely physical and literally throws defenders around & straight arms them. He is a load to bring down. Pretty much any pass that he has to high point it is his. He is so much bigger than all the defenders and appears to be much stronger. Just watching him if there is a contested ball he just rips the ball away from the defender. My mind is exploding with the possibilities of the Packers drafting Johnston in round 1 and having Watson, Doubs, and Toure playing with him.
Of course, the problem is he is likely to be gone anywhere from #7 to say #11 in round 1. With the Packers having the #15 pick they likely will not have a shot at him unless there is some type of trade where the Packers have some draft capital to use to trade up. Any draft capital ideas anyone?
I will share that as of now as I look at the other highly rated WR's I personally do not see any WR's including Addison that would have anywhere near the impact Johnston would have on the Packers offense. I like the idea of a bad ass WR who is physical and punishing defenders. I'd like other posters thoughts on this guy if you have watched his Youtube videos. I normally want big guys in the trenches early, but this year Johnston meets the Packers biggest need IMO!
Johnblood27
January 16, 2023 at 07:41 pm
draft capital ideas?
Trade as many 3rd round picks as it takes. We couldnt pick a 3rd round winner if a gun was at our GM's head.
Qoojo
January 16, 2023 at 12:48 pm
Until they clear the decks, salary cap situation makes pondering any FA signings a pointless exercise.
ImaPayne
January 16, 2023 at 12:50 pm
Watched some of the Cardinals via Sun Ticket and Hopkins went missing in action, was a shell of his former self. Dropped a lot of passes too. We already have that on the team.
Ferrari-Driver
January 16, 2023 at 01:05 pm
We thoroughly talked about the money involved in acquiring Hopkins, but remember, the article said the Cardinals wanted to TRADE him. Giving up draft choices at this juncture sure doesn't entice me in acquiring players. With our salary cap, we need those draft choices to get young, more inexpensive, players who can become the heart and sole of the team in the upcoming years.
PhantomII
January 16, 2023 at 02:18 pm
Gute should do what he should have done at the trade deadline...Go get Moore as a #1 WR ..minimum until our rooks are better. Moore plus our rooks and an Elite pass catching TE along with a stouter OL upgrades on the right side should allow us to compete with all regardless of which QB is behind center.
Since'75
January 16, 2023 at 05:12 pm
"If Gutekunst is telling the truth about staying with the team’s commitment to Rodgers, then maybe he views Hopkins as the vehicle to entice QB12 back. "
The 58 million fully guaranteed for 6 months of work, isn't enough?