The Arizona Cardinals have recently released DeAndre Hopkins, a move that was surprising to many.
This release came on the heels of Hopkins reportedly being unhappy with the team, and he now has an opportunity to join a contending NFL roster.
After his release, Mike Giardi highlighted the motivating factor for adding Hopkins, which appears to be his contract.
Buffalo has had interest. The Patriots have had interest. Best I can tell, no one believes he is what he once was, and that will be part of the challenge in acquiring the player. A couple of teams I spoke with before the draft believe $$$ will be the driver in this, more so than… https://t.co/AQUeRoQbPJ
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) May 26, 2023
As Giardi indicates, there is a growing belief that Hopkins’ play has dropped off since his most elite seasons.
Hopkins will be 31 years old when the season starts, one of the oldest receivers in the league.
While he did have a great season in 2022, he only played half the year due to his PED suspension.
In nine games last year, Hopkins totaled 64 receptions, 717 yards, and three touchdowns.
Hopkins’ numbers have declined after his early days with Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans.
Will a new team be able to solve these woes, assuming he can work out a contract?
Giardi suggested that the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills have both expressed interest.
The Kansas City Chiefs have also been a noted destination for him, as they need a veteran receiver.
However, Hopkins’ contract with the Cardinals was steep, a high price to pay for an aging receiver.
The next several weeks should be interesting, as teams around the league figure out what his current value is.
What team will ultimately win the Hopkins sweepstakes, adding a veteran receiver to their roster?
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