The Arizona Cardinals pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the NFL offseason by severing connections with DeAndre Hopkins. Arizona couldn’t find a trade partner for Hopkins, so the organization decided to release him.
Following his release, Hopkins is now free to sign with any team he wants. The final two years of Hopkins’ agreement, which he signed when he was traded to the Cardinals in 2020, have cap values of $29,988,890 in 2023 and $25,453,886 in 2024. Hopkins’ dismissal from Arizona will result in a dead cap cost of $21,077,776 and a cap space reduction of $8,911,114.
Through his first 10 NFL seasons, Hopkins accumulated the eighth-most receiving yards (11.298) and the fourth-most receptions (853), both records. Hopkins averaged 7.1 catches per game (fourth in the NFL) and 79.7 receiving yards per game (tenth in the NFL) despite only playing in nine games the previous season. He has played in 10 NFL seasons, making the first team All-Pro three times, and was selected for the Pro Bowl five times.
Hopkins has the option to sign with anybody he wants, so the teams he previously said he was interested in and the quarterbacks he loves to play with will suddenly be in play. Hopkins named the quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Justin Herbert, as the ones he would like to play with earlier this week.
On the I AM ATHLETE podcast earlier this week, Hopkins said, “What I want is stable management upstairs.” “Moving from Houston to Arizona is something I don’t think I’ve truly had in my career lately.
“I’ve had three or four general managers in my career; we need a stable management. A quarterback who is dedicated to the game, who inspires everyone to support him, and who drives everyone around him. also a potent deterrent. The defense is the winning defense. Hopkins will have the chance to look for that during the coming days.
What Land Will He Land?
3. Jets
Although Aaron Rodgers is not a young quarterback, Hopkins is searching for a quarterback with the credentials Hopkins is seeking for because he won the Super Bowl MVP award and was named the NFL MVP four times. Hopkins wouldn’t have to be the No. 1 option for the New York Jets, who already boast a top-five defense, because Garrett Wilson, the 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, would also be on the roster. Gang Green is in a win-now frame of mind since Rodgers will turn 40 in December. Hopkins would appreciate that viewpoint.
2. Cowboys
They don’t necessarily need another pricey target when they have the 2022 second team. Their star player is All-Pro CeeDee Lamb, but after playing with Odell Beckham Jr., they acquired Brandin Cooks from the Houston Texans in exchange for a few late-round picks. A free sports picks website talks of a third route-winner like Hopkins would lessen the burden on Michael Gallup as the No. 3, and when has Jerry Jones not relished making a statement? The major barrier would be money, but Dallas has the chance now because a number of players are rapidly approaching the end of their rookie contracts.
1. Bills
The Buffalo Bills are ready to compete for Super Bowls right now. They have been among the most dominant teams in the NFL over the past three regular seasons, topping the league in both points scored per game (29.4) and points allowed per game (19.4). They could use another receiver after Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis because their current plan is to use rookie tight Dalton Kincaid as their slot receiver. Buffalo has 10 total draft picks for the 2024 NFL Draft, including three additional sixth-round picks in addition to their own. The Bills also use Josh Allen, Hopkins’ top choice for the QB position. If Hopkins is willing to accept a restructured contract to be within the salary cap, Buffalo makes the most sense.
