DeAndre Hopkins to the Cowboys just isn’t worth it for either party

Let me start by saying this. Despite the headline, I would absolutely love for DeAndre Hopkins to be in a Dallas uniform.

As someone who was born and raised in Texas, I have always secretly rooted for the other Texas team in Houston. When they aren’t playing head to head versus Dallas, that is.

Hopkins was a big part of that Houston Texans team since being drafted 27th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, and before being (mistakenly) traded to Arizona prior to the 2020 season.

At that time, I was pounding the table for Dallas to make a move to acquire the All-Pro wide receiver to pair with Dak Prescott‘s other new toy, Amari Cooper.

As expected, Cowboys fans didn’t get what they wanted. Which is why they shouldn’t expect to this time either!

Aside from the fact that the Cowboys rarely make splash moves like signing a 3x All-Pro wide receiver in free agency, several factors go into why this just wouldn’t be a good fit.

Financial Disparity

Despite Hopkins saying he’s willing to accept a much smaller salary to join a contender, recent reports since his official release from the Arizona Cardinals say otherwise.

Several sources say Hopkins is seeking a contract upwards of the $15 million annual average secured by Odell Beckham Jr. in his recent signing with the Baltimore Ravens.

That’s just money that Dallas won’t spend. Even with the money expected to be back on the books after Ezekiel Elliott‘s official release post-June 1st.

As it stands right now, the Cowboys have approximately $10.550 million in cap space, with another $10.9 million added after June 1st.

Nearly $22 million in cap space is what is giving Cowboys Nation hope that DeAndre Hopkins will come strolling into The Star to sign a contract, but it’s not likely.

Even if the money were available, I find it unlikely that Dallas believes Hopkins is worth the money he is expecting to receive.

His 2020 season, and first with Arizona, was one of the best seasons of his career. However, each of the last two seasons have marred with soft tissue injuries that have limited Hopkins to only 19 out of a possible 34 games played.

Dallas would not be keen to adding injury risk on top of financial risk.

Not Enough Pie To Go Around

As mentioned above, once former RB Ezekiel Elliott’s release is official come June 1st, the Cowboys will have approximately $22 million in cap space available.

It’s easy to look at all that cap space, and expect Dallas to bring Hopkins in immediately to start building a rapport with the team.

Well, wish in one hand and spit in the other. See which one fills up first.

I hate to act like such a suit and tie instead of a fan, but we have to be reasonable.