What's pausing potential trade involving Cardinals five-time Pro Bowler?

Teams are nibbling at but not biting into the DeAndre Hopkins trade bait from Arizona.

ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler reported potential trade partners want the Cardinals to cover a chunk of the WR's 2023 base salary ($19.45M, per Spotrac). Arizona, however, has not compromised yet.

"Let's see if Arizona relents on that stance," wrote Fowler. "I've talked to several teams that wonder whether Arizona will just end up releasing Hopkins."

Arizona probably could receive a decent pick or picks for the five-time Pro Bowler. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported the Cardinals want a second-rounder and more.

Hopkins' cap hit is Arizona's largest ($29.99M, per OverTheCap). Trading the 30-year-old receiver would save $8.91M-$19.45M against the cap while releasing him would save the same amount, according to OTC. 

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Hopkins is willing to re-negotiate his contract if he's traded to a contender. WR-needy teams and contenders such as Baltimore, Kansas City and Buffalo should covet him.

If Hopkins lowers his base salary but a suitor asks Arizona to cover a portion, the Cardinals should foot a reasonable amount of the bill. A trade makes sense for Arizona, which is rebuilding following a disastrous 4-13 season under former HC Kliff Kingsbury, who was fired and replaced by Jonathan Gannon. 

The Cardinals aren't strapped for cap space, holding the sixth-most in the league ($19.02M, per Spotrac). Releasing Hopkins would be a mistake. Arizona should trade him and get what it can in draft picks.