For weeks now, one of the hottest rumors and ideas amongst Buffalo Bills fans has been the thought of trading for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
He has publicly been on the block, as he’s wanted a new contract and the Cardinals are essentially rebuilding around Kyler Murray. Because Hopkins is about to turn 31 in June, the Cardinals don’t want to give him top dollar if they’re admitting a full-on rebuild.
So, the question became, where would Hopkins go? For a while, the Bills were one of the top teams rumored to be an ideal landing spot for the All Pro. But just a few days ago, it was reported that the Bills were likely out on a Hopkins trade, after much deliberation. At that point, the Bills had to start looking at other options.
However, Hopkins could still find his way to Buffalo.
On a recent episode of the Greg Bedard Patriots Podcast, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated stated that it was likely Hopkins gets his release from the Cardinals.
If DeAndre Hopkins is released, the Buffalo Bills have to pounce on that opportunity
It was a fair assumption that the Bills weren’t willing to part with the necessary draft capital which Arizona likely wanted in exchange for Hopkins. But, now, things have changed.
If Hopkins is indeed released, then Buffalo should be the very first and last phone call, visit and negotiation with he and his agent. There should be no question about it. Hopkins is, by far and away, the best possible “missing piece’ to this team en route to a Super Bowl season in 2023.
The decorated veteran has posted six seasons going over 1,000 receiving yards and four campaigns with 100 or more receptions. He’s been widely known as one of the top wideouts in the game.
Some have forgotten that Hopkins is still one of the best, mostly due to his suspension in 2022 (PEDs).
But, if he’s out on the field, he’s a threat. Hopkins still demands top attention from opposing defenses. His catch radius is still large, his hands are filthy and he is a legitimate problem, period. If the Bills have a chance to get him, following an impending release, then general manager Brandon Beane should stop at nothing to pair him with Stefon Diggs.
Josh Allen, Diggs and Hopkins … just picture the possibilities.