Waddle Fever
by WillyWonka2197 | 2 years ago | 0 Comments
As one of the biggest surprises of the NFL preseason, the Arizona Cardinals have reportedly traded star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for receiver Jaylen Waddle and cornerback Byron Jones.
Hopkins, widely considered one of the best receivers in the league, was a key piece of the Cardinals' offense. However, the team struggled down the stretch, missing the playoffs despite a promising start to the season.
In trading Hopkins, the Cardinals have made a bold move to shake up their roster and try to address their weaknesses. While it's certainly a risk to trade away a proven superstar like Hopkins, the Cardinals may have found a way to fill some gaps in their roster with the acquisition of Waddle and Jones.
Waddle, a speedy and explosive receiver out of Alabama, was selected sixth overall by the Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite missing a large portion of his rookie season due to injury, he showed flashes of the potential that made him such a highly-touted prospect, finishing the year with 33 catches for 373 yards and one touchdown.
Hopkins, widely considered one of the best receivers in the league, was a key piece of the Cardinals' offense. However, the team struggled down the stretch, missing the playoffs despite a promising start to the season.
In trading Hopkins, the Cardinals have made a bold move to shake up their roster and try to address their weaknesses. While it's certainly a risk to trade away a proven superstar like Hopkins, the Cardinals may have found a way to fill some gaps in their roster with the acquisition of Waddle and Jones.
Waddle, a speedy and explosive receiver out of Alabama, was selected sixth overall by the Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite missing a large portion of his rookie season due to injury, he showed flashes of the potential that made him such a highly-touted prospect, finishing the year with 33 catches for 373 yards and one touchdown.
In joining the Cardinals, Waddle brings a level of speed and playmaking ability that the team has been lacking in recent years. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays should be a valuable asset for quarterback Kyler Murray and the Cardinals' offense.
Meanwhile, Jones brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Cardinals' defense. A former All-Pro cornerback, Jones has established himself as one of the best players at his position in the league over the past several years. In 2020, he recorded 57 tackles, eight pass deflections, and one interception for the Dolphins.
Of course, it remains to be seen how this trade will ultimately play out for both teams. While the Cardinals may have filled some needs with the acquisition of Waddle and Jones, they have also given up one of the best players in the league in Hopkins. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have added a proven superstar to their receiving corps, but they have also given up two valuable pieces of their own.
Regardless of how it shakes out, though, the trade is sure to generate plenty of buzz and debate in the NFL world. It's a bold move by the Cardinals, and one that could have major implications for the team's future. Only time will tell if it ultimately pays off.