On Friday afternoon, the Arizona Cardinals made a surprising move when they released All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He had been the subject of trade discussions most of the offseason, some that appeared to include the Buffalo Bills, but now Hopkins is free to choose where he wants to go next.
While DeAndre Hopkins hasn't been the same player he was earlier in his career the past two seasons, at only 30 years old he still can be a productive wide receiver in the right situation. And Hopkins appears to have that situation in mind based on recent comments made on the I Am Athlete podcast, which includes stable management, qb who loves the game, and a great defense.
The Buffalo Bills certainly check all three of those boxes but they aren't the only team that could sign DeAndre Hopkins. These are the five teams that the Bills are likely to compete with if they want to sign him now that he is a free agent.
5 teams the Buffalo Bills could compete with to sign DeAndre Hopkins
Cleveland Browns
The first team doesn't necessarily meet DeAndre Hopkins' criteria but can't be overlooked in the Cleveland Browns. The reason is that the Browns starting quarterback is one that DeAndre Hopkins knows well in DeShaun Watson.
The two played together from 2017 to 2019 and Hopkins was first-team All-Pro and selected to the Pro Bowl each of those seasons. He would have 315 receptions, 4,115 receiving yards, and 31 touchdowns during that stretch.
The Browns could be looking for another veteran wide receiver to pair with Amari Cooper but it remains to be seen if Hopkins views the Browns as a franchise with stable management. It would be surprising if Hopkins picked the Cleveland Browns but it should at least be noted.