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5 Potential trade destinations for DeAndre Hopkins in 2023

By Brendan Danaher

Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) reacts after a pass was deflected by the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium.Nfl Los Angeles Rams At Arizona Cardinals
Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) reacts after a pass was deflected by the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium.Nfl Los Angeles Rams At Arizona Cardinals /
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NFL Power Rankings; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh greats Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) after scoring a second half touchdown against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

DeAndre Hopkins destination no. 1: Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have so much potential, as do all of the teams on the list, but originally this was one of the top destinations analysts thought free agent Odell Beckham Jr should sign with. DeAndre Hopkins is an overall better receiver than Beckham both in terms of production and availability.

The Ravens are armed with one of the most high-powered quarterbacks in the league, Lamar Jackson, however, his best receiver has traditionally been his tight end, Mark Andrews. Similar to Justin Fields the Ravens receiving corps fielded Devin Duvernay (now on IR), Rashod Bateman (also on IR), and James Proche. The Ravens did make the playoffs but are entering them without Bateman and Duvernay and had to replace them with Demarcus Robinson and Proche, and an aging Sammy Watkins. If any team screamed “run first offense” the Ravens are it.

The Ravens’ offense has traditionally favored the run but based on the receivers they have provided Jackson with it’s almost by default. Beckham Jr, if not for his health, would have been an instant game-changer for the Ravens. Securing DeAndre Hopkins is a reliable target for Jackson that could give him the chance to display his improved passing ability and change the face of their offense altogether.

This situation is similar to the Packers where Lamar Jackson’s future is unclear as he is due for a significant contract extension. Landing DeAndre Hopkins would be a strong incentive to entice Jackson to remain in Baltimore. This move in turn would be a chance for the front office to show they value Jackson by providing him with an offensive weapon suitable for a quarterback of his caliber.

Win, Win.

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