The Green Bay Packers are in the market for a veteran wide receiver
The Green Bay Packers have a young trio of second-year wide receivers slated to start next fall. That group will have plenty of chances to progress next fall, but they might not give Jordan Love his best opportunity to grow into his role as a full-time starter. Matt LaFleur said recently the team must bring in a veteran wide receiver this offseason. An All-Pro wide receiver’s trade price is tanking before the draft and could be an option for the Packers to get.
According to Arizona Sports, former Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim said DeAndre Hopkins’ trade value is falling:
“They’re probably going to have to come to understand that they’re probably not going to get as much as they would if he was a younger player or his contract was considerably lower, where you could get him for a second-round (pick),” Keim said. “It could end up being a second- or third-day draft pick to really get it done. Probably (need to) get a new deal done.”
A late second day would be the third round. The Packers currently hold the 78th overall pick in the draft, and they could use that to bring Hopkins to Wisconsin. The Cardinals could also wait to release Hopkins until this summer. The team would save an extra $10 million by waiting to cut him until after Jun 1.
Hopkins would be a great addition to the Packers. He has over 11,000 yards receiving and 71 touchdowns in his ten-year NFL career. But his services aren’t cheap. Hopkins’ contract is over $19 million in 2023 and $14.9 million in 2024. The Packers might need to give the 30-year-old a contract extension to spread out Hopkins’ contract.
It’s risky, but he might be the best veteran option for Love’s progression as a franchise quarterback. No price would be too much in the next few transitional years to make Love an elite quarterback. That needs to be priority number one this offseason.
