New York Jets could be turning their attention to DeAndre Hopkins after missing out on Baltimore Ravens new boy Odell Beckham Jr - and Sauce Gardner has already tried to persuade him to join.
The Jets seemingly remain in the market for a new superstar wide receiver, with Hopkins knowingly available via trade. The 30-year-old is likely to be traded before the start of the upcoming season, with it looking likely to be a cut-price deal after recent wide receiver trades.
Fellow star receiver Brandin Cooks was traded to the Dallas Cowboys from the Houston Texans for a couple of late-round draft pick - which is what the price of Hopkins might end up being.
And after the news was reported of their interest in Hopkins, Jets superstar Sauce Gardner has stated that he has already spoken to the player on a trade. He tweeted: "Me & Dhop had a great talk when I was in Dallas last week."
The Jets are looking to bring in a superstar receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson for likely new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The front office are still hopeful of completing a trade for Rodgers, but compensation has yet to be agreed.
The Jets still have work to do in making that deal happen, reportedly hoping to avoid giving the Packers a first-round draft pick, and instead sending two second-round picks.
The team would also have to make significant roster adjustments to work in Rodgers, as well as further work to acquire Hopkins. While a deal for Hopkins is enticing, his salary may be seen as a stumbling block - with him set to receive $15m this year and $19m in 2024.
Should the team trade for Hopkins, they could extend him to a longer deal which would significantly decrease his salary cap for the first season - while also being able to bring in Rodgers. The NFL Draft is set to get underway on April 27, seen as a deadline for a trade between the Jets and Packers.
