December 26, 2024

As the NFL trade deadline on November 5 approaches, many believe the Tennessee Titans could trade wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. His underwhelming performance in the 2024 season, combined with the Titans’ struggles, has fueled speculation about a potential move. Hopkins has only managed 14 receptions for 175 yards and a single touchdown through five games, largely due to the Titans’ ongoing quarterback woes, with sophomore QB Will Levis failing to find consistent success.

Given the Titans’ current 1-4 record and the fact that Hopkins is set to hit free agency at the end of the season, trading the veteran wide receiver before the deadline makes strategic sense for Tennessee. They risk losing him for nothing in the offseason, and there is already considerable interest in acquiring Hopkins from teams in need of an experienced pass-catcher. One of the most intriguing potential landing spots mentioned for Hopkins is the Washington Commanders. According to Marcus Mosher of *The 33rd Team*, Washington could be a fitting destination for the three-time All-Pro.

Mosher has proposed a trade scenario in which the Titans send Hopkins along with a sixth-round draft pick to the Commanders in exchange for a third-round pick. This trade would be mutually beneficial for both teams. Washington, while boasting a talented No. 1 wide receiver in Terry McLaurin, lacks depth in its receiving corps. The team traded former first-round pick Jahan Dotson earlier in the season after his disappointing performances. Aside from McLaurin, their main offensive options in the passing game are running back Austin Ekeler and tight end Zach Ertz, but they lack a true second wide receiver threat. Hopkins could be the missing piece to bolster their aerial attack, especially given his ability to win one-on-one matchups.

As Mosher suggests, Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels could greatly benefit from having a reliable veteran like Hopkins to complement McLaurin. Despite Hopkins’ current struggles, his 2023 season shows he is still capable of producing at a high level. Last year, he tallied 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns, showing he can be a valuable asset in the right system. A change of scenery could reignite his career, and Washington’s offense, which is in need of more firepower, could be just the opportunity Hopkins needs.

For Tennessee, trading Hopkins now would allow them to get value in return before he enters free agency. While his trade value may not be at its peak, receiving a third-round pick from Washington would still be a smart move for a team that is likely beginning to think about rebuilding. Given the Titans’ struggles this season and the likelihood that they won’t contend for a playoff spot, moving on from a 32-year-old receiver like Hopkins and securing draft capital for the future would be a practical decision.

Overall, while it remains to be seen if the Titans will actually pull the trigger on trading DeAndre Hopkins, the potential deal with Washington makes sense for both sides. It would give the Commanders a much-needed boost to their receiving corps while allowing the Titans to recoup some value before Hopkins’ impending free agency. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether this trade materializes, but it’s a scenario worth watching as the deadline approaches.

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