Cardinals’ Super Bowl 55 Odds After Trading for DeAndre Hopkins

• Arizona made headlines by acquiring WR DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with Houston 
• Hopkins adds veteran depth and All-Pro talent to the Cardinals’ receiving corps
• Does Nuke make the Cardinals contenders? See the updated Super Bowl 55 odds and insight in the story below

The Arizona Cardinals captured the NFL headlines on Monday morning by pulling the trigger on a deal to acquire four-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Houston Texans.

Arizona instantly moved up the Super Bowl odds, rocketing from a lengthy +10000 bet prior to the deal to a far more respectable +6600.

Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl 55 Odds

Odds taken on March 16, 2020.

A Big Win for Arizona

The deal looks to be a big win for Arizona. The Cardinals shipped running back David Johnson to Houston, along with a 2020 second-round draft pick and a 2021 fourth-round pick in exchange for Hopkins and a 2020 fourth-round pick.

Hopkins is coming off yet another impressive campaign. The 27-year-old racked up 1,165 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches in 15 regular-season games while helping the Texans win their fourth AFC South divisional crown in five years.

even madden didn't accept the deandre hopkins trade pic.twitter.com/47IX17n2wE

— Jordan Heck (@JordanHeckFF) March 16, 2020

But while early reaction has been critical of Houston general manager Bill O’Brien, he may have had no choice. Reports indicate the relationship between Hopkins and O’Brien had steadily deteriorated, and that the 27-year-old was seeking to renegotiate his contract.

While contract issues may still be a concern as Hopkins makes his way to the desert, the upside for the Cardinals is outstanding. Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray must be particularly delighted with the addition of the 2017 NFL receiving touchdowns leader, who will beef up a receiving group that includes veteran Larry Fitzgerald and youngsters Andy Isabella and Christian Kirk.

Indeed, the addition of Hopkins could be just what is needed to convince Fitzgerald to return for a 17th and possibly final NFL season.

Busy Offseason Just Getting Started

However, the Cardinals still have plenty of work to do if they are return to contention in the NFC West after recording two straight last-place finishes, including a disappointing 5-11 campaign in 2019. Defense remains a massive issues for the Cardinals, who surrendered an NFL-worst 402 yards per game last season, and gave up a hefty 27.6 points per game.

Arizona Cardinals pass defense last season, by position

Tight ends: 127 targets/96 catches/1,148 yards/16 TDs

RBs: 110 targets/93 catches/788 yards/5 TDs

WRs: 332 targets/224 catches/2,764 yards/16 TDs

pretty much gashed by every position group last year

— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) March 3, 2020

Defending the pass was a particularly big problem this past season for the Cardinals. Arizona surrendered 38 touchdown passes last season, while tallying just seven interceptions. Upgrading at cornerback is a big offseason priority.

While other deals remain a real possibility, the Cardinals now look to the 2020 NFL Draft with a heightened degree of confidence. Despite parting ways with their second-round pick, the Cardinals are still set to make six picks at this year’s draft, including the eighth-overall selection.

Can the Cardinals Compete in the NFC West?

The question remains whether this squad will improve enough to return to contention in the highly competitive NFC West. The Cardinals are now listed as an improved +600 bet to win the division, but remain well back of the San Francisco 49ers, who continue to lead the way as slightly reduced +100 chalk.

Was asked how I’d rank the Arizona Cardinals’ biggest needs this offseason:

1. Disruptive DT
2. Outside Receiver
3. Rangy Free Safety
4. Offensive Tackle
T5. Edge Rusher
T5. Impact Interior Olinemen

What say you? #AZCardinals

— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) October 21, 2019

But while a divisional crown may be too much to ask at this points, it remains early in the offseason. Following a disappointing season, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves at a crossroads, particularly with their oft-injured star running back Todd Gurley. The Seattle Seahawks also face serious questions on defense despite overachieving on their way to an 11-5 season.

However it is sliced, the Cardinals will have to overtake at least one of their divisional rivals to emerge as a playoff contention. That is a tall order indeed. But with the squad shaking things up with their impressive deal to land Hopkins, they now offer intriguing value as a +6600 wager in the Super Bowl odds.

Pick: Cardinals (+6600)