DeAndre Hopkins Talks Trade, Picks QB: Bills Josh Allen 'New-School Andrew Luck'?
Whether intentional or not, DeAndre Hopkins just won't let the trade speculation between him and the Buffalo Bills die out, which is certainly boosted by the fact that the star receiver skipped out on the first day of Arizona Cardinals OTAs on Monday.
After the 2023 NFL Draft came and went and Hopkins still remained a member of the Cardinals, what were once piping-hot trade rumors quickly died out. Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort denied that "Nuk" would be traded and Hopkins himself took it a step further in a video posted to social media on May 1.
“I see everybody telling me to stay," Hopkins said. "Who said I wanna go? Who said I wanna leave? I'm out here working, baby!"
But now? Hopkins and the Bills still can't seem to stay out of the same conversation. Hopkins was asked during a recent appearance on the I AM ATHLETE podcast about which quarterback he'd love to have throwing him the rock. In fitting fashion, Bills signal-caller Josh Allen was the first name he mentioned.
"One of my favorite quarterbacks that I've been watching since he came into the league is Josh Allen," Hopkins said. "He reminds me of a new-school Andrew Luck. I love Josh Allen."
Without even naming current Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray, Hopkins went with Allen at No. 1 before listing Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts, Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes, Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, and Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert at Nos. 2 through 5, respectively. This is certainly a list worth debating, but Hopkins made it clear that he wanted Allen at the top.
He also put an emphasis on the type of front office and quarterback he wants to continue his career with, whether that be in Arizona or elsewhere.
"What I want is stable management upstairs," Hopkins said. "I think that’s something I haven’t really had the past couple years of my career coming from Houston and then to Arizona. I’ve been through three or four GMs in my career, so a stable management. A QB who loves the game, a QB who brings everybody on board with him and pushes not just himself but everybody around him ... and a great defense. A great defense wins championships.”
The Bills, mostly linebacker Von Miller, have made it equally clear how much Hopkins is wanted in Buffalo.
"We got a lot of talent over there man, but I think I think DeAndre Hopkins would put it over the top," Miller said. " ... So I think that would be huge for us to get a guy like Nuk, to get a guy like DeAndre Hopkins man. We just have to wait and see because things happen."
A trade appears to be a longshot, as the Bills would likely have to sign Hopkins to a new and expensive deal after trading for him. But at least for now, the teasing will continue.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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