BREAKING: Cardinals Cut DeAndre Hopkins; Falcons Sign?
The NFL is in a frenzy after the Arizona Cardinals cut former All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
After a dominant 2020 season where he posted 1,407 yards, Hopkins only has 1,289 in the last two seasons combined. Granted, he only played in 10 games in 2021 and was limited to nine in 2022 due to suspension and injury.
The Cardinals were fielding trade calls for Hopkins, but ultimately felt releasing him was the way to go.
Now, teams like the Atlanta Falcons can sign him to a new deal.
While Hopkins hasn't openly shown a desire to sign with the Falcons, Atlanta is in need of a wide receiver to pair with Drake London.
The team added Mack Hollins, Scotty Miller and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside earlier this offseason, but that won't be enough to elevate the unit.
So why not go for the gold and get the best receiver in free agency?
NFL insider Benjamin Allbright reported earlier this offseason that the Falcons could have interest in a potential trade, but with a deal no longer on the table, could Atlanta simply sign him?
Hopkins has stated his desire to compete for a championship, and even though the Falcons don't come to mind as the first team to become a contender, the shoe still fits. Calais Campbell said the same thing in his free agency sweepstakes earlier this offseason and chose the Falcons over the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.
Should he come to Atlanta, Hopkins can still be a No. 1 wide receiver in an offense and be a huge part of the unit. He would divert attention away from the likes of Drake London, Hollins, Kyle Pitts, Jonnu Smith in the Falcons passing game.
Put all of that together and Hopkins could be the "Nuk" that sends the Falcons into contention.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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