The NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and ahead of the Nov. 5 deadline the Kansas City Chiefs made a move to restock their rapidly depleting wide receiver room.
It’s happening: Titans and Chiefs are working to finalize a trade that would send WR DeAndre Hopkins to Kansas City, league sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/aEeKEgI2D8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2024
Hopkins, 32, was traded to Kansas City for a conditional fourth-round pick in 2025, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Chiefs were in desperate need for some receiver help after losing WR Rashee Rice to a knee injury, and they get a guy who is ready to make a Super Bowl run in Hopkins.
Here are the grades for both sides on the DeAndre Hopkins trade:
Kansas City Chiefs: A
I know, Hopkins is old and dealing with a myriad of injuries. However, I think his skillset is exactly what the Chiefs need at this point in the season and what the offense needs. With so many guys who truly lack the ability to create separation outside of Travis Kelce, why not get a guy who can win in contested catch situations on the outside? Hopkins can still create separation in spurts and win as an outside receiver for a team that is more death by crossers and not the most explosive offense downfield, and Hopkins can be the guy to go get you a bucket on 3rd down.
Tennessee Titans: B-
The Titans are clearly in rebuild mode. After loading up a roster in the offseason with veteran skill position talent, but none of it at quarterback and offensive line, the team has fallen apart and has played multiple QBs at this point. The Titans also had to eat some of Hopkins’ salary in the deal, which also means that they’re rebuilding at this point. After this trade, they now have seven draft picks and that’s without calculating the Ernest Jones IV trade.
Post-Hopkins trade, the #Titans now have seven draft picks in 2025 (1,2,4,4/5,5,6,7). WR, RT and EDGE are clear needs. Also could be another team that’s in the QB market.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) October 23, 2024
I do like the conditions that Tennessee got on this trade, though. Getting the playing time and Super Bowl conditions (both things the Chiefs have very high odds of doing) helps raise the pick up to a 4th rounder, smart business.
To finalize the Hopkins trade:
The 5th-round pick elevates to a 4th if the Chiefs make the Super Bowl and if Hopkins plays 60%.
The Titans will pay 2.5m of Hopkins contract.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 23, 2024
I expect more trades to get done coming out of Tennessee.
