Why Giants Should Pass on Receiver DeAndre Hopkins

Coach Gene Clemons argues why the Giants should pass on pursuing unrestricted free-agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Author:
Gene Clemons
Publish date:
May 28, 2023 11:17 AM EDT

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Amongst the many pending free agent storylines this offseason, one that continued to find traction was where now-former Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins would play in 2023.

Despite the Cardinals' front office trying to put up smoke screens to keep his value high, many knew it was only a matter of time until Hopkins found himself on another team because Arizona's house was too messy. His price tag was probably something the Cardinals were anxious to get rid of.

Fast forward to the end of May, and after failing to find a trade partner for Hopkins, the Cardinals released the receiver, prompting just about every potential playoff contender team's fanbase to flood social media with opinions on why their team should sign Hopkins.

RELATED: Should Giants Pursue Receiver DeAndre Hopkins?

While there is no doubt that the addition of Hopkins would be an upgrade at the receiver position, considering other factors beyond the financials, a move like this could negatively impact what the team is trying to build. Here are two reasons why the Giants should not be in the running for the talented receiver's services..

The Money Means Something

Whatever you think Hopkins will demand salary-wise in free agency, the Giants do not have that type of money readily available. They'd likely have to go through some financial gymnastics to pull off to get a deal done for Hopkins.

If one of the ways they get that extra money is not via a cap-lowering extension for running back Saquon Barkley, what kind of message would that send to Barkley? It would be all the evidence that Barkley needs to show that he is not as valued in the manner that he should be--and it could put a much larger fissure between him and the organization.

Making a significant financial commitment to Hopkins will ultimately eliminate any chance that the team has to improve the roster from that point on. There is no ability to add talent where they may have holes. If the injury bug strikes the team, they will likely not have the financial resources to add pieces that may help keep things afloat until those key players return.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Investments

Yes, the Giants made the playoff last season, but are they legitimate Super Bowl contenders? Would the addition of Hopkins push them into Super Bowl contention? If the answer to both questions is no, what sense does it make to bring in Hopkins for one season (which is probably all the Giants can afford)?

In that season, you stunt the growth of all of the young receivers on the roster, who would probably receive less time and fewer targets. Removing 125-150 targets from a receiving corp means that a leading man and a supporting cast would replace the ensemble cast that the Giants are assembling.

Once that leading man is no longer in the fold, do those supporting actors understand what it takes to properly fill that role? Do they understand the pressure and responsibility that comes with it? And is anyone capable of filling it? Do they need to adjust back to the original, pre-Hopkins ensemble cast?

There would be no stability or continuity on a team that seems as if that is what they are trying to establish. Many hands make light work. Allowing all those receiving assets to grow as a collective can mean in a year or two, they can just rely on any one guy to step up on a game-to-game basis.

If Daniel Jones becomes the guy, they are paying him to be, this receiving group, much like the groups that won the chip during Eli's runs, can be good enough. Why disrupt the chemistry before you ever see what the mix produces?

This is not an argument about whether Hopkins is an upgrade--he is one of the best receivers in this game. It does not matter if the Giants were successful last year. Going down this road could have negative impacts regardless of the outcome.

It is better to pull off the bandage right now and declare that the Giants are not in the Hopkins sweepstakes and that the organization, players, and fans will be better because of it.