Why the NY Jets should trade for DeAndre Hopkins

2. DeAndre Hopkins played last year

The stats prove the point that Hopkins, at his best, is better, and was at his best far more recently. Specifically looking at last year, Beckham missed the entire season with a torn ACL suffered in the Super Bowl while playing with the Rams. Hopkins posted 64 catches for 717 yards and three touchdowns.

Hopkins' stats last year would have solidified him as the second receiver in the Jets' offense behind only Garrett Wilson.

Even looking at the new additions of Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman, Hopkins' still posted better stats than them last year. Throw in the fact Hopkins did that in just nine games, and Hopkins can still play at a high level.

Expanding the scope out though, Hopkins's averages over the last four years when he was 27-30 are 12 games played, 82 receptions, 960 yards, and six touchdowns.

Beckham, over the last four seasons, during the ages of 27-30, has averaged nine games played, 35 catches, 472 yards, and three touchdowns.

Although Hopkins has also missed games the last few years, it is also clear that he has played much more consistently than Beckham and at a far higher level when both have been healthy.

Even though Beckham seems to be healthy now, he is far more of an injury liability than Hopkins at this point.