© Michael Chow/The Arizona Republic
Jets' Aaron Rodgers and Free Agent DeAndre Hopkins Would Be 'Dream Pairing'
DeAndre Hopkins catching passes from Aaron Rodgers as New York Jets?
Well, the latter part of the equation is already in place. As for the former, it's probably not likely that Hopkins winds up with the Green & White, but not impossible either.
The Arizona Cardinals released Hopkins on Friday, issuing an official one-sentence statement.
Now, the former All-Pro receiver becomes a free agent and is permitted to sign with any NFL club.
Inking Hopkins would be one way that Joe Douglas and Co. could add even more juice to the Jets' Super Bowl push. The 6-foot-1 receiver has four 100-catch campaigns on his resume. He has played at least 15 games in eight different seasons, gaining at least 1,165 receiving yards in six of them.
Playing nine games for the Cardinals after serving a suspension in 2022, the five-time Pro Bowler averaged 79.7 yards per outing. Hopkins made 64 receptions for 717 yards in his last of three seasons with Arizona.
"Rodgers to Hopkins is a dream pairing, right?" said All Cardinals editor Donnie Druin. "The ultimate question is would Rodgers want to push one of his friends aside to make room for Hopkins, who will command a great deal of attention. D-Hop and Garrett Wilson would be fun to watch, though, for sure."
Druin said the likelihood of Gang Green agreeing to terms with Hopkins is low at best.
"My best guess is Buffalo," said Druin. "He’s given glowing reviews to Josh Allen and the Bills, and his talent could be a great asset to a contending team."
READ Cardinals Release WR DeAndre Hopkins
During a recent interview on the "I AM ATHLETE" podcast, Hopkins was highly complimentary of Allen.
"I would have to say one of my favorite quarterbacks I've been watching since he came in the league is Josh Allen," said Hopkins, who proceeded to mention four more quarterbacks' names.
"Josh Allen, he reminds me of a new school Andrew Luck. I love Josh Allen. Jalen Hurts - Houston kid, he's a dog … Patrick Mahomes obviously. No. 4 I'm gonna have to go with an underdog... Not a lot of people respect this guy as a throwing quarterback but Lamar Jackson, obviously ... My No. 5 quarterback, I'm gonna have to go with my dude in San Diego [Los Angeles] with the Chargers, I'm gonna have to go with [Justin] Herbert," said Hopkins.
Back in April, Hopkins appeared on CBS Sports' "All Things Covered" podcast and was asked to make facial expressions in response to potential NFL destinations.
Hopkins looked less than excited when the New England Patriots were mentioned. After being asked about Buffalo, he looked up into the camera and smiled. The New York Jets were the third team mentioned by the show host as Hopkins turned his head to the side in a gesture that gave off "no thanks" vibes.
Maybe the chance to catch passes from a sure-fire future Hall—of—Famer will change Hopkins's mind.
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