Trade Update:Cowboys just acquired a $81 million Wide Receiver in exchange for a fifth…

According to a proposal by Mario Herrera Jr. from Inside the Star, the Dallas Cowboys could benefit from acquiring veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans. In exchange for a fifth-round pick, the Cowboys could secure Hopkins, a five-time Pro Bowler, who recently had a strong season despite challenges with quarterback play.

Herrera suggests that the Titans might be willing to part ways with Hopkins to focus on getting younger and accumulating draft picks. However, Herrera notes that the Titans would likely need to absorb some of Hopkins’ 2024 salary due to the Cowboys’ current cap constraints.

Herrera highlights that executing this trade would necessitate the Titans absorbing some of Hopkins’ 2024 salary, as Stephen Jones, from the Cowboys, may find his current cap hit of $18 million too high. Hopkins, who inked an $81 million extension with the Houston Texans in 2017, is approaching the final year of a two-year, $26 million deal with the Titans signed in 2023.

Adding a third veteran receiver like Hopkins aligns with the Cowboys’ needs. With CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks likely leading the receiving corps, younger players such as Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpkin, and rookie Ryan Flournoy are vying for roles, particularly in the slot position. However, Tolbert and Turpin have limited experience, with Tolbert totaling 29 catches for 268 yards and two touchdowns in two seasons, while Turpin has primarily contributed as a return specialist, recording just 13 catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns.

While the Titans may not be immediate contenders for the Super Bowl with second-year quarterback Will Levis taking the helm, it’s improbable that they would trade away their top receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, just as Levis is set to embark on his first full season as the starter. Despite being 32 years old, Hopkins remains a vital part of Tennessee’s offense, especially with other receiving options like Treylon Burks falling short of expectations. Burks, a former first-round pick, has struggled with just 49 catches for 665 yards and one touchdown over two seasons.

Hopkins commands a significant portion of receptions and targets in the Titans’ passing game, with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine ranking as the second-best receiver with 28 catches for 370 yards and three touchdowns, which places him fifth on the team in both categories.

While the Cowboys would undoubtedly welcome the opportunity to acquire Hopkins, especially considering his previous interest in joining the team, it seems unlikely that the Titans would part ways with him, particularly for just a fifth-round draft pick, as Levis enters a crucial phase of his development.