Breaking down the pros and cons of the Buffalo Bills trading for DeAndre Hopkins
By Kevin Devine
DeAndre Hopkins acquisition is not without risk
Honestly, the biggest con of adding Hopkins might be the egos involved. Stefon Diggs has been the top receiver in Buffalo since arriving in that 2020 trade and his displeasure with sharing that top spot with Adam Theilen in Minnesota was one of the driving factors behind that trade. Given Diggs’ displeasure at the way last season ended, and particularly with his usage (or lack thereof) over the second half of the season, it would definitely be a risk to give up anything significant to add a receiver of Hopkins’ stature.
Hopkins himself may also be a concern. He has a history of questionable decisions dating back to the NFL Combine in 2013 when his hotel room was left in a questionable state. He has denied taking PEDs, but his six-game suspension last season cannot be ignored. At times he has been criticized for not practicing during the week. Given the Buffalo Bills’ locker room culture, it is fair to wonder how adding another superstar who has at least some question marks would impact the team. These things tend to be alleviated at least temporarily when players change teams, and I am sure GM Brandon Beane has done his due diligence on Hopkins so fans should not worry too much about this.
The other major drawback to a Hopkins trade is the cost. The Cardinals are reportedly seeking a second round pick and something else of value. While this cost is not exorbitant for a player of Hopkins stature, the Bills have several other holes that still need to be filled. If they can add depth to their offensive and defensive lines and another tight end through low-cost acquisitions in the second and third waves of free agency, and enter the draft confident that they do not need to plug any of their early round picks in as starters for 2023, this should not stop the Bills from pulling the trigger on a Hopkins deal.
What fans need to be concerned about is the financial implications of a possible trade for Hopkins, which may be a con on the ledger, but deserves to be looked at on its own: