DeAndre Hopkins Cut Sparks Multi-Team Speculation

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 12: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals gets set against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

The veteran wideout is officially a free agent.

The DeAndre Hopkins saga has written its newest chapter. After months of speculation that the Cardinals could trade or otherwise offload the veteran wide receiver, the Cardinals finally cut him. As a result, the Cardinals will eat $22.9 million in dead cap and Hopkins will become an unrestricted free agent. Hopkins had initially missed the start of the Cardinals' OTAs as his status remained in limbo.

After serving a six-game suspension for violating the league's PED policy, Hopkins played in nine games last season. He racked up 757 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Cardinals went 4-13. He was traded to the Cardinals in 2020 by the Texans. In three seasons with the Cardinals, he recorded 2696 yards and 17 touchdowns. However, he will now be able to pursue the team of his choice.

Multiple Teams Interested In Hopkins

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 27: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates after catching a touch down pass against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Hopkins' sudden free agency has sparked a lot of interest around the league. Among the teams interested are the Bills, Patriots, and Ravens. Hopkins, who last rushed for 1000 yards in 2020, would find very different fortunes. He could be the final piece the Bills need in their near-Sisyphean quest to reach a Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Hopkins would bring a veteran calm to somewhat-embattled Mac Jones. However, the Ravens are an intriguing prospect given their already very full receiver room.

Meanwhile, social media has also floated the possibility of the Chiefs making a play for the veteran wideout. Like the Ravens, the Chiefs have a very full receiver room. However, the Chiefs are missing that X-factor standout downfield. As for the Cardinals, they will now roll with Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore, and 2023 third-round draft pick Michael Wilson. Recently, Hopkins gave an interview in which he listed the top quarterbacks he would like to play under. At the top of that list was the Bills' Josh Allen as well as the Eagles' Jalen Hurts. Where do you think Hopkins will land? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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About The Author
Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.