Could DeAndre Hopkins Go to Vikings' NFC North Rival?

The Cardinals surprisingly released five-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on Friday, meaning fans of just about every NFL team can dream about adding him to their offense.

The reality is that some teams make a lot more sense than others. The Vikings fall in the latter category. Not only are they set at wide receiver with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and K.J. Osborn, they don't have the current or future cap space to give Hopkins what he'll command on the open market. They still have Kirk Cousins' contract on the books this year, and he'll have a large dead cap hit next year if he's gone. The Vikings also have possible big-money extensions for Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson and Danielle Hunter to worry about.

Plus, adding the soon-to-be 31-year-old Hopkins on a big contract doesn't really fit the Vikings' timeline. They're still engaged in a competitive rebuild, not going all-in on 2023.

Realistically, the Vikings will just be hoping Hopkins doesn't end up with their primary competitor in the NFC North.

The Lions may not seem like an obvious or likely fit for the ex-Cardinal's services, but think about it. Detroit has plenty of cap space, a top-tier offense, and an improved defense. They're seen as the favorites in the NFC North and a dark horse contender for a reason. And with Jameson Williams suspended for six games, they have a need at receiver. Hopkins could join Amon-Ra St. Brown and Marvin Jones Jr. in that room, with Williams mixed in when he's eligible to return.

To be clear, I wouldn't put the Lions among the favorites to land Hopkins. He may want to play with a top quarterback on a contender, making teams like the Chiefs, Bills, and Eagles logical destinations if they can figure it out from a cap perspective. There will be plenty of other teams in the mix, too. From the Vikings' perspective, they'd love to see Hopkins go back to the AFC, especially after he went for 12 catches, 159 yards, and a touchdown against them at U.S. Bank Stadium last October.

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