Ossenfort: Cardinals still evaluating options regarding Hopkins' future
The Arizona Cardinals are keeping all of their options open when it comes to deciding the future of star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
"I had a great talk with D-Hop a couple weeks ago," general manager Monti Ossenfort said Thursday during an appearance on the "Bickley and Marotta" show, according to team reporter Darren Urban. "I explained to him what my philosophy was. It was a great conversation. D-Hop has been a great player in this league for a long time. I'm excited to work with him. I think any roster decisions like that, we are in the very early stages right now.
"Whether it's D-Hop's situation or anyone's situation, we are in the stages of evaluating that," Ossenfort added.
Hopkins will account for a $30.7-million cap hit for the 2023 season, per Over the Cap. The three-time All-Pro wideout has been the subject of trade speculation since the conclusion of his 2022 campaign.
The Clemson product led the Cardinals with 717 receiving yards despite missing the first six games of last season due to a suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.
Hopkins continued to thrive after being traded from the Houston Texans to the Cardinals. He recorded 115 receptions for 1,407 yards and six touchdowns in 2020. The five-time Pro Bowler led the team with eight scores in 2021 despite suiting up for just 10 games.
If the Cardinals decide to move the talented receiver, Hopkins may no longer have a say in the matter. The 30-year-old signed a two-year, $54.5-million contract extension with Arizona in 2020. Due to Hopkins' suspension in 2022, the no-trade clause in the deal was voided, according to CBS Sports' Joel Corry.
Arizona has ushered in a new regime this offseason after parting ways with former GM Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury following a 4-13 campaign last year. Ossenfort and new coach Jonathan Gannon are focused on restructuring the franchise.
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