The New York Jets are reportedly now interested in Arizona Cardinals superstar DeAndre Hopkins.
After being heavily interested in Odell Beckham Jr, the Jets have been forced to look elsewhere after he signed for the Baltimore Ravens. The Jets are looking to bring in a superstar receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson for new quarterback Aaron Rodgers - who the franchise are still hopeful of completing a trade for.
And in acquiring Hopkins from the Cardinals, the Jets would likely elevate themselves to one of the Super Bowl favourites - getting arguably the league's premier wide receiver of the last five years.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer has reported that the Jets have interest in Hopkins, who is known to be available via a trade with the Cardinals looking to rebuild their roster. Breer also noted that the Jets were indeed in on Beckham Jr after meeting with him this past weekend, but were unwilling to pay him the $15million that Baltimore offered.
While a deal for Hopkins is enticing, and exciting for Jets fans, his salary may be seen as a stumbling block - with him set to receive $15m this year and $19m in 2024.
The Jets could extend Hopkins and lower his salary cap for this season - while also extending their championship window with tying down the superstar receiver.
While Hopkins remains one of the best receivers in the league, he struggled with injuries - missing 15 games in the last two seasons.
In his last full season though, he registered 1,407 yards and six touchdowns with the Arizona Cardinals - being a wide receiver used across the field, one who Rodgers would like to see on the team.
The Jets are set to compete in the toughest division in the NFL this season, with the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins among the favourites to challenge for a Super Bowl.
