3 trade packages the NY Jets can offer for DeAndre Hopkins

The NY Jets know that they need to make the playoffs in 2023. General manager Joe Douglas knows it. Head coach Robert Saleh knows it. Everyone in that building is well aware of the expectations for 2023.

For that reason, we can probably expect the regime to be a bit more aggressive in their roster-building strategy this offseason. While that obviously includes the quarterback position, that doesn't mean they won't explore all opportunities to upgrade the roster.

Perhaps one such opportunity can come in the form of superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The Score's Jordan Schultz reported on Tuesday that the Arizona Cardinals are expected to trade their star wide receiver this offseason.

With Kyler Murray likely sidelined for significant time in 2023 and the Cardinals bringing in a new regime, the aging Hopkins isn't exactly a fit for the current roster. There figures to be no shortage of interested teams, however.

The Jets struck out on making a high-profile trade for a wide receiver last offseason, failing to add Tyreek Hill, Deebo Samuel, or others. They eventually settled for drafting Garrett Wilson with the 10th overall pick, a scenario that clearly worked out for the organization.

Still, pairing Wilson with an established star like Hopkins could give the Jets one of the most dangerous offenses in football, pending quarterback play.

Hopkins' trade value likely isn't as high as many probably believe it is. The five-time Pro Bowler is looking for a new contract and has played just 19 combined games over the last two years.

So what could the Jets realistically offer for Hopkins? Let's take a look at three realistic trade packages the Jets can propose this offseason.

NY Jets trade third and fifth-round picks for DeAndre Hopkins

The Cardinals originally acquired Hopkins along with a fourth-round pick in exchange for a second-round pick, a fourth-round pick, and running back David Johnson in a deal that was highly criticized at the time.

While Houston likely could have gotten more for Hopkins back in 2020, his trade value isn't nearly the same in 2023. Hopkins missed seven games in 2021 due to injury and six games in 2022 due to a suspension.

He's still been excellent when on the field, but Hopkins' lack of availability combined with his age and contract situation significantly affects his trade value. The Cardinals likely aren't going to get a first-round pick for their star wideout.

This first trade package is likely the most Jets-friendly of the three. The Jets send their 2022 third and fifth-round picks to the Cardinals in exchange for Hopkins. That package is essentially the equivalent of a high third-round pick.

Hopkins still has two years and $54 million remaining on his current deal with over $33 million in guarantees. He's reportedly looking for a new contract too which only further decreases his trade value.

The Jets have enough financial flexibility to make this work, even alongside a quarterback, but they would have to make some cuts. We're talking about players like Carl Lawson, Corey Davis, etc.

Is it worth it? That's a question both teams have to ask themselves. If Hopkins' market isn't quite as active as the Cardinals hoped, this package could get the job done.

Every team knows the Cardinals want to move on from Hopkins which also decreases his value. A combination of a third and fifth-round pick in this year's draft might actually do the trick.

NY Jets trade a second-round pick for DeAndre Hopkins and a fourth-round pick

This is probably the most Cardinals-friendly of the three trade proposals on this list. If Hopkins' market is active and the Jets really want to make a trade happen, they could float around the idea of parting ways with their second-round pick.

This scenario sees the Jets send the 43rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Cardinals in exchange for Hopkins and the Cardinals' fourth-round pick (No. 86 overall, pending compensatory selections).

That would equate to roughly the value of the 52nd or 53rd overall pick in the draft, using Jimmy Johnson's trade value chart. That might be more than any other NFL team is willing to offer.

Joe Douglas has been hesitant to part with significant draft capital in the past and this might be a little expensive for his liking, but the aggression factor has to be taken into consideration.

Douglas is likely willing to do whatever it takes to save his job and get the Jets to the playoffs in 2023. Trading for Hopkins is a surefire way to increase his team's odds of accomplishing that goal.

From the Cardinals' perspective, netting a second-round pick for a player who isn't a part of your future, needs a new contract, and is someone everyone knows you want to trade is a pretty substantial haul.

Meanwhile, the Jets can pair Hopkins with Garrett Wilson and whoever they bring in at quarterback. Combined with a returning Breece Hall, Elijah Moore, and two capable tight ends, this Jets' offense could take a significant step forward in 2023.

The Jets need to find ways to fix their offense. Adding another star wide receiver for the price second-round pick might just be worth it.

NY Jets trade a third-round pick, a 2024 sixth-round pick, and Denzel Mims for DeAndre Hopkins

It's always fun to speculate about player-for-player trades in these mock proposals. If the Jets are acquiring a wide receiver, it would make sense to send one back in return.

The first player I considered was Elijah Moore. Moore's issues with the Jets were well documented this season and he's certainly more established than Denzel Mims, but I went with Mims for a couple of reasons.

For starters, Moore's skill set is a lot more redundant to other players on the Cardinals' roster. Mims fills a role that the likes of Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore, Greg Dortch, and Robbie Anderson don't.

On top of that, adding Moore to the deal would also significantly decrease the trade capital the Jets include — if they include any at all. I think the Cardinals would prefer the draft capital over Moore who has just two years remaining on his rookie deal.

So that's how we end up with the above trade package. The Jets send their third-round pick, a future fifth-round pick, and Mims to the Cardinals for Hopkins. Mims and a future fifth-round pick probably closely equate to the value of a 2023 fifth-round pick.

This allows the Jets, who currently only have six picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, to retain an extra selection for this year while also sending Mims to a team that should afford him more opportunities.

This is my favorite proposal on this list as it helps both teams equally in my mind. The Cardinals get a fair return given the circumstances while taking a flyer on a former top draft pick in Mims. The Jets spread out their draft compensation and land a star wide receiver for a very reasonable price.

It's a win for Hopkins, Mims, the Jets, and even the Cardinals. Everyone wins. Everyone is happy. Everyone profits, at least in theory.