Why the Packers shouldn’t trade for DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins has been one of the NFL’s best wide receivers in recent years, but the Green Bay Packers shouldn’t trade for him this offseason.

As talented a player as Hopkins is, the Packers shouldn’t make a move this spring.

Hopkins’ future with the Arizona Cardinals is uncertain. On the “Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday, Hopkins said he has been “hearing all the trade talks” but isn’t focusing on it right now.

There’s no doubting Hopkins’ talent. He has six 1,000-yard seasons in his career and is a five-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler.

So, why shouldn’t the Packers trade for Hopkins?

It starts with the contract. Green Bay has limited cap space, but Hopkins is one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league. According to Over The Cap, he earns an average of $27.25 million per year. His cap hit is $30.75 million in 2023 and $26.22 million in 2024.

If the Packers traded for him, they may need to give him a contract extension to help spread out cap hits. But the Packers would be paying a lot of money for a wide receiver who turns 31 in June.

Also, Hopkins hasn’t played a full regular season since 2020.

Hopkins missed the first six games of this past season due to suspension, then the final two games due to a knee injury. In 2021, he missed seven games due to injury.

There’s no doubt that Hopkins could help Green Bay’s offense. He would make any team better.

But the Packers have Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs entering year two. Both players will have huge roles to play moving forward.

Yes, they need to add to the wide receiver room, but they can do that via the draft and by signing affordable free agents.

Hopkins is a great player and has had an incredible career, but the Packers shouldn’t trade for him this offseason.