An immensely talented receiver is free! The Cardinals announced this Friday they cut DeAndre Hopkins.
Since January, the rumor of a separation between the receiver and his team ran. Arizona was hoping to salvage a few draft rounds. The possibility of a transfer seemed to be able to materialize during the Draft, but nothing happened. Finally, it will therefore be a dry layoff.
The news should delight teams that were interested in Hopkins’ services. From now on, there is no more to negotiate with the Cardinals. You just have to find an agreement with the player. Which could still be complicated.
The Athletic reported a few hours ago that neither team was interested in a trade involving Hopkins partly because he would like a new long-term contract.
Two mixed seasons
As he turns 31 on June 6, DeAndre Hopkins is coming off of two lackluster seasons with the Cardinals. 42 receptions for 572 yards and 8 touchdowns in 10 games in 2021. 64 receptions, 717 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2022, in a 9-game season, in particular because of a six-game suspension for doping.
Despite this dynamic quite far from his best years in Houston, the former Clemson remains one of the biggest talents of his generation. Offers should not be missing.
Which team to revive DeAndre Hopkins?
Who will get the receiver’s signature? A few days ago, Hopkins had given the keys to his research.
“I am looking for stable management. I think I haven’t had that the last few years with Houston and Arizona. I’ve seen three or four managers go by during my career, so I want stable management. I also want a quarterback who loves the game, someone who takes others with him, and who pushes others as much as himself… And a great defense. Big defenses win championships,” Hopkins said during the I Am Athlete podcast.
In another interview, he was directly asked about his desire to play for the Patriots, Bills, Jets and Chiefs. Without saying a single word, he just responded with a smile at the mention of Buffalo and Kansas City. New England and New York only entitled to a closed face.
Obviously, nothing says that the Bills or the Chiefs will have the desire and / or the means to bring in Hopkins.
