Should Bills 'Re-Think' Signing DeAndre Hopkins After Stefon Diggs Conflict?
In a vacuum of linear thinking, it seems to make sense: The Buffalo Bills are enduring drama with an unhappy All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs, while another All-Pro receiver sits available free agency.
Therefore, the Buffalo News' suggestion that Bills general manager Brandon Beane take another swing at free agent DeAndre Hopkins seems an enticing one.
“There have been some reports that Hopkins is seeking to get paid. If so, more power to him,” Jay Skurski writes, obviously recognizing the challenges here. “Given the Bills’ salary cap situation, it’s very likely that if Hopkins is seeking to get paid, he’ll likely find more money somewhere else.”
Clearly, if Hopkins is somehow available for "$8 million APY,'' as one NFL exec predicted SI (a prediction we find far too low)? The Bills and every other team should be jumping in on the star who recently visited with the Titans and with the AFC East rival Patriots.
Is is also worth noting thay SI has reported that the Bills had “substantive trade talks” involving the five-time Pro Bowler before his release from the Arizona Cardinals.
But where we think the notion of Hopkins to Buffalo in this scenario goes sideways is that DeAndre's deal and Diggs' deal have nothing to do with one another. The idea would be that quarterback Josh Allen would have at his disposal arguably the most accomplished receiver duos in the NFL. Because given the cap realities of Diggs' contract, he's not going anywhere.
“I’ll admit that the drama with Diggs this week did leave me thinking about the possibility of Beane taking another look at Hopkins,'' writes Skurski. And it's a fun thought. ... that would come with a new issue.
If the report is correct that what Diggs wants is "more input into play-calling'' and more offensive involvement? Adding another receiver who is just as capable of catching 100 balls as he is seems problematic.
Worth noting: Beane actually entertained Hopkins talk during a June 5 appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,'' saying that Hopkins "is a good player and he’ll likely demand a decent contract.”
“It would definitely have to fit with how we would restructure the salary and all that,'' Beane said. “We’re all about people that want to come to Buffalo, especially if they fit, obviously DeAndre is a heck of a talent. ... So (we're) never ruling it out.''
Sounds good. "Rule it in.'' Call DeAndre Hopkins on the phone. But have a second phone available, too. Because Stefon Diggs will surely want a word.
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