Never mind a trade.
That should have been the result of the Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has been circulating trade rumors for months. But the club on Friday Released Hopkins, allowing the five-time All-Pro to sign anywhere in the NFL right now.
The 5-Time All-Pro WR was released in shocking fashion
It The Cardinals tweeted Friday very simple message. “We’ve released Deandre Hopkins.”
When healthy, the soon-to-be 31-year-old is a top-five player in the sport, but the Cardinals appear to be embarking on some semblance of a rebuild, even after paying quarterback Kyler Murray a giant contract for less than a year. before Cutting ties with Hopkins is clearly part of that strategy since new Cardinals leaders took over the organization earlier in the year.
Hopkins will instantly become an extremely hot commodity. Many believed he would pick up mid-round cap space in a trade before the start of the regular season, but for reasons unknown, Arizona opted to release him outright.
Two sources said Viking territory in March that the Minnesota Vikings were not part of the draft for Hopkins, citing the playmaker’s lack of speed. However, that intel was based on a trade package The Vikings have since selected Jordan Addison in the April 1 draft and hired KJ Osborne, making the team’s interest in Hopkins’ newfound free agency unlikely.
Also in March. Pro Football Focus: nominated the Carolina Panthers as the smartest landing spot for Hopkins, yes, Adam Thielen’s new team, perhaps partnering veteran wideout Andy Dalton with the experience of Bryce Young. PFFs Sam Monson wrote: “Hopkins has been the biggest name on the trade block all offseason, and in a year where elite receivers are hard to come by, he’s still an option that should be enticing to several teams, even with his contract.” Monson announced the Panthers as Hopkins’ “best fit.”
Since Hopkins entered the league in the 2013 NFL Draft, where he was selected 27th overall; two picks before the Vikings drafted Cordarrelle Patterson and two picks after they drafted Xavier Rhodes, he ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards behind only Julio Jones.
He leads the league in receptions over the same span and is fourth in touchdowns. In 10 seasons, Hopkins made five All-Pro teams, including three first-team All-Pro nominations, and he is a five-time Pro Bowler.
Other teams listed as possible sports for Hopkins include the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens.
The man instantly becomes the most sought-after free agent in football.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube channel, VikesNow:. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday Raun Sauh and: Sal Spice:. His Viking obsession dates back to 1996. Mentioned guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, The Sopranos, Basset Hounds and The Doors (band).
All statistics are provided Pro Football Reference / Stathead:; All contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.