Moving on? Titans running back Derrick Henry, Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins and Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey ‘are among NFL stars being shopped on the trade market’ as teams look to shed salary
NFL teams looking to shed salary ahead of free agency have been working the phones to unload some of their biggest contracts.
All-Pros including Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey have all been shopped by their respective teams, Michael Silver reports for Bally Sports.
Finding trade partners could be difficult for the Rams, Cardinals and Titans, given the current contracts of Ramsey, Hopkins and Henry.
Henry is owed $10.5 million for the upcoming season in what is the final year of his contract, while Hopkins is owed $19.5 million and $14.9 million in 2023 and 2024, respectively, and Ramsey is still on the Rams’ books for $55 million through the 2025 season.
All-Pros including Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (right), Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (left), and Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey have all been shopped by their respective teams, Michael Silver reports for Bally Sports
Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey remains under contract through the 2025 season, while Hopkins is signed through 2024 and Henry through the upcoming 2023 campaign
All three teams are entering the offseason with serious salary cap issues.
After recently releasing three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan for a failed physical as well as veteran wide receiver Robert Woods and kicker Randy Bullock, the Titans are currently $23.5 million under the $224.8 million salary cap for the 2023 season. Meanwhile the Cardinals have $16.5 million in cap space, according to Spotrac.com.
The Rams, on the other hand, are $14 million over the cap, and will need to make some serious cuts in order to sign draft picks and any free agents. Los Angeles has already given receiver Allen Robinson permission to seek a trade, according to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero.
Henry, 29, had another productive season in 2022, rushing for 1,538 yards (second in the NFL) and 13 touchdowns, both of which ranked second in the NFL.
Hopkins, 30, was limited to nine games due to a suspension for a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy, and as a result, saw his production fall to 64 catches and 717 yards for the season.
Ramsey, 28, remained productive in 2022, recording four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two sacks while appearing in 17 games.