Former Clemson Tigers standout and All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins if officially looking for a new NFL home.
The Arizona Cardinals released Hopkins on Friday after it couldn’t find a trade suitor, the team announced.
Hopkins, who has shown signs of wanting out of Arizona since the end of last season, can sign with any team in the league.
In 2022, Hopkins caught 64 passes for 717 yards and three touchdowns in nine games after he served an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.
Hopkins will enter his 11th year as a pro with his third different team. He spent three seasons in Arizona after being traded by the Houston Texans, where he was a three-time All-Pro selection.
At Clemson, Hopkins recorded over 3,000 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns from 2010-12.
For the Cardinals, releasing Hopkins saved them $8.9 million in cap space, but they’re still on the hook for over $21 million in 2023.
Arizona, which has a new head coach and general manager, had to release him before June 1 because they were out of designations. Hopkins would’ve made $19.45 million if they had traded him.
Now, he’ll get a new, lesser deal on the open market. Who could end up scooping Hopkins, who has dealt with injuries the last couple of seasons?
The New England Patriots reportedly had an interest in Hopkins when the Cardinals were shopping him earlier this offseason, but they’ve since addressed their receiver needs elsewhere.
The Buffalo Bills offer a potential landing spot. On the Super Bowl contender, Hopkins could be a solid third-WR option behind Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis for star QB Josh Allen.
The Kansas City Chiefs are another team tied to Hopkins during trade rumors, so maybe he could end up playing a role for the defending champions.
Regardless, there are several other teams looking to take a big step, like the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and New York Jets, who could use another receiving option.
Hopkins no longer profiles as the No. 1 option at this point in his career, but teams looking to add a final piece could easily see him fitting a veteran role.
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