In the past couple of years, we’ve seen teams with quarterbacks going into year three trade for a top-tier wide receiver to help them make a jump in their development. Stefon Diggs with Josh Allen, AJ Brown with Jalen Hurts, and Tyreek Hill with Tua. Justin Fields will be entering his third season in the NFL. The Bears could try and replicate what teams did in the past, and someone may have just become available.
It was reported that the Cardinals are going to shop DeAndre Hopkins this offseason. The Bears may want to explore the possibility of trading for him. Hopkins was suspended for the first six games this past season, and still managed to put up 717 yards in nine games.
At the trade deadline, the Bears gave up a 2nd rounder for Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool. While the Bears may have already made their move for a receiver, it would be worth it to make another. Claypool has potential, but there’s some uncertainty going into next season about whether he can step up and be a consistent receiver for Fields. With DeAndre Hopkins, you know what you are getting. He’s a smooth route runner and someone that you can throw it up to and he’ll grab it.
The Cardinals asking price for Hopkins won’t be incredibly high due to his age and contract. As of now, the Bears don’t have a ton of draft capital. Although it’s a strong possibility they end up trading back from the number one pick and gaining a good amount of picks. In that case, a 3rd round pick and a couple of late-round picks would be well worth the price for Hopkins.
Hopkins is the definition of consistency. In ten seasons, he put up six 1,000-plus-yard seasons. His lowest season came with 572 yards in only ten games. The argument that can be made that Hopkins is 31 years old. However, we haven’t seen any signs of him declining. He can still be a top-tier wide receiver in the league.
Justin Fields needs someone like him. If you’re Ryan Poles, you need to help your third-year quarterback as much as possible. Trading for DeAndre Hopkins can do just that.
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