Seven Landing Spots for Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins
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After not being moved following a long offseason, Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins has officially been cut by the team on Friday morning.
His most recent appearance on the I AM ATHLETE podcast made his desire to move on pretty clear, where he backpedaled on his comments asking people why they thought he wanted to leave Arizona, listed quarterbacks he'd love to catch passes from and even gave insight into what he was looking for in an organization.
Many thought the Cardinals would hang on to Hopkins following the completion of the 2023 NFL Draft, but a move after June 1 would have made more sense for Arizona when factoring in the salary cap.
However, Hopkins is now free to roam wherever he pleases.
CBS Sports' Garrett Podell ranked seven potential landing spots for Hopkins (though this was pre-cut):
Seven Landing Spots for Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins Ranked
1. Buffalo Bills
"The Buffalo Bills are ready to contend for Super Bowls right now. They have been one of the NFL's most dominant teams across the last three regular seasons, leading the league in points per game (29.4) and points allowed per game (19.4) in that span … The Bills employ Hopkins' top choice to play with at QB in Josh Allen, too. If Hopkins is willing to agree to a revised deal to fit under the salary cap, Buffalo makes the most sense."
2. Dallas Cowboys
"Adding a third proven route-winner like Hopkins to Lamb and Cooks would take pressure off of Michael Gallup as the No. 3, and when doesn't Jerry Jones enjoy making a splash? The financials would be the biggest hurdle, but with many players entering the end of their rookie deals in the near future, the time is now for Dallas."
3. New York Jets
"Aaron Rodgers isn't a young quarterback, but as a Super Bowl MVP and a four-time NFL MVP, he has the pedigree Hopkins is looking for in his next passer. The New York Jets also possess a top-five defense, and Hopkins wouldn't have to be the No. 1 option with 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson also on the roster. With Rodgers turning 40 in December, it's win-now mode for Gang Green. That's an outlook Hopkins would appreciate."
4. San Francisco 49ers
"The San Francisco 49ers don't have the quarterback profile Hopkins is looking for in second-year quarterback Brock Purdy, third-year quarterback Trey Lance, or young journeyman Sam Darnold. However, they have arguably the most-loaded offensive ecosystem in the NFL with Christian McCaffrey at running back, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk at wide receiver, George Kittle at tight end, Trent Williams at left tackle, and head coach Kyle Shanahan calling plays … With Purdy healthy, Hopkins would enjoy plenty of room to roam in San Francisco's offensive attack"
5. Philadelphia Eagles
"The defending NFC Champions are a natural fit for Hopkins, as they have arguably the best general manager in the league in Howie Roseman, his second-favorite quarterback in Jalen Hurts, and a top-five defense. Hopkins would be the most overqualified WR3 in the league behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and the Eagles could provide him everything he's looking for."
6. Cleveland Browns
"The Browns aren't exactly loaded with cap space (projected $7.0M), and they're also short on 2024 NFL Draft ammunition after selling the farm for QB Deshaun Watson, the quarterback Hopkins became a superstar with in the 2010s. However, they have got a clear need for better depth behind Amari Cooper, plenty of picks in 2025, and head coach Kevin Stefanski's leash may not be long for growing the passing offense with Watson. This trade would allow the Browns to become much more formidable competitors in a loaded AFC during a make-or-break season for the current regime."
7. Baltimore Ravens
"If Jackson truly wants to make good on his goal of 6,000 passing yards in 2023, adding Hopkins is a must. There's even a slight personal connection: tight ends coach George Godsey was the Texans' offensive coordinator from 2015-16, when Hopkins made his Pro Bowl debut with a 1,500-yard breakout campaign. If Hopkins were to agree to a revised contract, Baltimore could provide Jackson with one of the better pass-catching arsenals in the entire league in 2023."
It was interesting to not see the New England Patriots on this list, as his connections to the organization make some sense. They've been a team frequently found in rumors over the offseason when it came to Hopkins.
As a reminder: Hopkins' no-trade clause was voided after his six-game suspension last season, so the Cardinals ultimately control the situation (though a split is best for both sides).
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