The Tennessee Titans are going nowhere fast in 2024 after posting a 1-5 record over the first six games of the season, which has led many to believe that wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins could become available at the trade deadline.
While Hopkins has expressed his desire to remain in Tennessee, the Titans would be foolish not to trade him, as he's 32 years old and on the final year of his contract.
The Titans went the sentimental route with running back Derrick Henry in 2023 and ended up having nothing to show for him after he left in free agency to the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
One team that could definitely use Hopkins' services are the Los Angeles Chargers, who need of a reliable and experienced option in its shaky wide receivers room. The idea of a Titans-Chargers trade was recently floated by FanSided's Nick Villano.
"The Los Angeles Chargers make all the sense in the world (for Hopkins)," he wrote. "Rookie Ladd McConkey is providing them with that possession receiver, similar to what they had with Keenan Allen. Adding a threat like Hopkins would give Jim Harbaugh a complete offense, something he’s been tinkering with all season."
Hopkins has struggled to produce so far this season, posting just 15 catches for 173 yards. However, his lackluster production isn't close to his fault, as the Titans' quarterback play has been dreadful.
Hopkins would offer an immediate upgrade and stopgap option for Los Angeles, and he wouldn't cost a lot, with a fourth-round pick likely to be enough to pry him away from Tennessee.
And, if all goes well and Hopkins shows he has something left in the tank, the Chargers have enough cap space in 2025 to bring him back.
Los Angeles has already shown it has enough on defense to be competitive, now the Chargers have to beef up their offense if they truly want to make some noise. Adding Hopkins would no doubt help their cause.
