On Friday, news broke that the Arizona Cardinals released future Hall of Fame wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. This is truly a shocking move. You mean to tell me that the Cardinals couldn’t get any sort of draft capital for Hopkins?
He was cut on Friday, and now easily becomes the best and most high-profile free agent left on the market. The stud wide receiver clearly became expendable when it became obvious that the Cardinals were angling towards somewhat of a rebuild.
The aging wide receiver clearly was not a long-term piece for them, and now he finds himself a free agent, free to sign with any team that he chooses. He was traded from the Houston Texans to the Arizona Cardinals a few years ago, and quickly developed a connection with Kyler Murray.
Some may remember the “Hail Murray” play a few years back which reinforced how good the duo was, even though they spent a short time together.
We have released Deandre Hopkins. pic.twitter.com/POnAb3uhWH
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 26, 2023
Then, reports began this offseason about the Arizona Cardinals and Hopkins potentially going in different directions, and I think most of us just assumed that the Cards would trade him, likely to a contender.
Teams like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs became obvious fits for the Pro Bowler, but now, the Cardinals won’t even get a seventh round pick back for the former Clemson product. DeAndre Hopkins can sign with any team he chooses, and part of me thinks he wants to sign quickly, because I bet he already has some teams in mind.
I think the Chiefs and Bills are his top two choices. I could also see a team like the Philadelphia Eagles or Chicago Bears making a move for him. It may truly come down to money, or, conversely, Hopkins may actually prioritize wanting to win, so maybe he doesn’t care so much about how much he’d make on a future contract.
He is likely approaching the final few years of his career and is really only missing a Super Bowl title on what is going to be a strong case for the Hall of Fame.