DeAndre Hopkins might be traded to a NY Jets division rival

The NY Jets may not have much interest in trading for All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, but two of their division rivals seemingly do. In fact, it seems as though the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots are the odds-on favorites to make the blockbuster deal.

The Bills and Patriots have been heavily connected to the Arizona Cardinals wide receiver for months now, and their interest was seemingly confirmed by Hopkins in a recent appearance on the I Am Athlete Podcast earlier in the week.

Hopkins insisted that he's "heard a lot of rumors of people calling" and specifically mentioned the Bills and Patriots as two teams he's "paid attention to."

The five-time Pro Bowler then went into detail about what he's looking for in his next team, highlighting "stable management," a quarterback who "loves the game," and a great defense.

Hopkins previously suggested that he would welcome a trade to Buffalo while scoffing at the possibility of being sent to New England or even the Jets in an interview last month. Of course, that was before the Jets technically acquired Aaron Rodgers, so perhaps that might change things.

Regardless, there's been no indication that the Jets are interested at this stage. That's certainly not the case for two of the Jets' most hated division rivals.

The NY Jets might have to play DeAndre Hopkins twice a year

Hopkins has battled injuries and a suspension in recent years, but when on the field, the 30-year-old wideout remains one of the best players at his position in the league.

In just nine games in 2022, Hopkins finished with 64 catches for 717 yards and three touchdowns. That's roughly the equivalent of a 120-catch, 1,350-yard season if he played all 17 games.

Even at 30 years old, Hopkins is a phenomenal talent who would add to a division that's already loaded with wide receiver talent. The idea of him potentially pairing with Stefon Diggs in Buffalo is daunting, even given the Jets' excellent cornerback duo.

One could easily argue that the Jets should make a push for Hopkins, although the finances of the deal could be tricky. It seems as though the Jets are content with their wide receiver room as well.

It's still not a guarantee that Hopkins is traded this offseason. The Cardinals have every reason to move him, but they're only going to do so for the right offer. To this point, that offer hasn't come.

The Jets may not be a likely destination for Hopkins, but he might end up in the AFC East before long.