DeAndre Hopkins Trade Idea for Bills: NFL Network Presents Mock Deal
After tons of speculation this offseason, the Buffalo Bills appear unlikely to strike a deal on a trade with the Arizona Cardinals to acquire star receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Of course, the Bills could always sign him as a free agent, as reports have stated that the Cardinals could release the three-time All-Pro if they're unable to find a trade suitor.
But what if a potential trade between Buffalo and Arizona was centered around big-time picks in this year's draft?
NFL Network recently presented a mock trade that would involve multiple draft picks, but would end with Hopkins in a Bills uniform.
Here's the hypothetical trade:
Bills receive:
- WR DeAndre Hopkins
- 2023 No. 3 overall pick
Cardinals receive:
- DE Greg Rousseau
- 2023 No. 27 overall pick
- 2023 No. 59 overall pick
- 2024 First-Round Pick
-2024 Second-Round Pick
If the Bills want to go all in for a Super Bowl this season - which is essentially the expectation in Buffalo - than this deal is definitely one that general manager Brandon Beane would have to at least consider.
With the No. 3 pick. the Bills could target a defensive star like Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. and add him to a defense that already features Von Miller and Matt Milano. Who better for the rookie to learn from than those two?
And adding Hopkins speaks for itself.
This past season with the Cardinals, Hopkins still finished as the team's leader in receiving yards (717) despite missing the first six games due to a PED suspension. He showed no signs of slowing down despite missing some significant action and was one of the lone bright spots during an abysmal 4-13 season for Arizona.
However, actually pulling the trigger on this potential deal is another story.
While acquiring a sexy name like the one-and-only DeAndre Hopkins would boost jersey sales and put another WR1 in the offense alongside Stefon Diggs, the Bills would have to win it all to make trading away four high draft picks worth it in exchange for a receiver that will be 31 by the time the season begins.
Additionally, including Rousseau in the deal is hardly just trade filler. Last season, he tied Miller with a team-high eight sacks while adding a forced fumble and four passes defended. At only 22-years-old, he's likely set to hit even better marks in 2023 on a defense that gives opposing offenses multiple names to worry about.
Take out Buffalo's 2024 first-rounder from the deal and maybe it's one the Bills could make. But as it stands, this hypothetical trade would favor the Cardinals, who would be getting all the pieces they need to jump-start their slight rebuild.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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