The Hopkins Trade: Was It Worth It?
The Baltimore Ravens traded away their superstar wide receiver, Lamar Jackson's favorite target, Hollywood Brown, to the Arizona Cardinals in a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL. The deal was widely debated, with many fans wondering if it was the right move for both teams.
The Ravens were desperate for a first-round draft pick, which they used to select Kyle Hamilton, a highly-touted safety. The Cardinals, on the other hand, were looking to add a top-tier receiver to their offense, hoping to unlock the potential of quarterback Kyler Murray.
Examining the Contract
The Cardinals sent the Ravens the 13th overall pick in the 2022 draft, along with a 2023 third-round pick. This was a hefty price for the Ravens to pay, especially considering Brown was entering the final year of his rookie contract. But the Ravens were clearly looking for a long-term solution at the safety position, and Hamilton was seen as a franchise-caliber player.
On-Field Performance: A Mixed Bag
The 2022 season saw both players have mixed results. Hamilton, the safety, struggled initially, making some costly mistakes. He showed flashes of brilliance but needed to be more consistent. He did, however, improve as the season went on, and his athleticism and versatility were undeniable.
Brown, on the other hand, struggled to adjust to the Cardinals' offense. He was inconsistent and often overshadowed by DeAndre Hopkins, the Cardinals' other star receiver. He did have some big games but overall, the trade didn't quite live up to expectations.
Was It the Right Move?
It's too early to definitively say whether the trade was a "win" for both teams.
The Ravens may regret losing Brown, especially considering his strong connection with Jackson. However, they needed a safety, and Hamilton's potential is high.
The Cardinals, while adding a speedy, talented receiver, didn't see the immediate boost they had hoped for. Brown did not fully gel with Murray, and the Cardinals struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm.
Time will tell if the Ravens and Cardinals made the right calls with this trade. It's a complex situation that will need to be carefully examined in the years to come.