The only way for Jordan Love to succeed as the new starting quarterback in the post-Aaron Rodgers era is if he finds himself surrounded by a quality cast of offensive talent. Presumably, there should be a good number of veterans out there with him to help him make his way.
At the moment, however, the Packers do not have that high-end supportive crew at wide receiver. Right now, the team has a handful of decent second year players and, behind them, lots of question marks. The loss of free agents Allen Lazard and Robert Tonyan (to the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears, respectively) this offseason is a big blow to the team, especially as they’re looking to restructure themselves after what will be a tremendous change (the loss of Rodgers).
Without a doubt, one of the Packers’ top needs this offseason is a true top receiver with a veteran field presence.
This is where the Arizona Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins would step in nicely.
The formerly durable Hopkins has been sidelined for 15 games the last two seasons, suffering through injury issues and the loss of six games in 2022 due to an ugly NFL performance enhancing drugs suspension. When healthy and on the field, however, he can be a high-end performer and an impact player. Some experts have observed that he actually hasn’t loss much of his physical prowess despite playing 10 full seasons in the league.
The 30-year-old first round pick from Clemson is expected to be traded this offseason by a Cardinals team that finished last season 4-13 and is in full rebuild mode, looking to ditch veterans and their high price tag for some young talent via draft selections.
Adding Hopkins to the team may require some juggling of finances and contracts– from both the Packers and Hopkins/Cardinals– but the addition could pay in dividends. It would give Jordan Love a veteran hand on the field and help stabilize a young wider receiver squad that could be under tremendous pressure this year, adapting to a new every day quarterback and without the veteran leadership of Lazard and Tonyan.
The Packers, however, won’t be likely to make any major moves until they get the deal sending Rodgers over to the New York Jets finalized. After that, they’ll have a better idea of what they may have of trade value at the upcoming NFL draft.
1 Comment
I say a trade with the packer-Jets should go like this the Jets get Aaron Rodgers the packers get 2 second round picks this years a good young receiver and a 2024 first if he stays with the Jets for a second season or if he wins a super bowl with them I’m a packer fan but I don’t know does this seem fair