The DeAndre Hopkins to Buffalo Bills saga may be slowly coming to an end, but it is not the ending Bills Mafia may have been hoping for.
Just a couple of days ago, the former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver posted a simple tweet amidst all of the rumors and reports based on where he might end up signing.
Some reports have stated a team like the New York Jets would be a favorite. Others, such as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, reported that the Bills looked like the favorite as recently as just a couple days ago.
It only seems appropriate for Hopkins to post a tweet like this, with so many differing rumors and reports surfacing.
…🙉🙊🙈
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) May 31, 2023
Yet another recent report on DeAndre Hopkins now says the Buffalo Bills are out on signing the 3-time All Pro
The Athletic's Tim Graham wrote Thursday that the Bills simply don't have the necessary cap space to sign Hopkins. It's estimated that Buffalo has $1.4 million available right now, and even with some restructures, most experts don't see a way that Buffalo can get it done.
That report stated that Hopkins is going to want something along the lines of what Odell Beckham Jr. got from the Baltimore Ravens, which was a 1-year, $15 million deal. The only difference? Hopkins wants a longer contract with similar annual averages. Some outlets even state that Hopkins is looking upwards of $20 million annually, and the fact of the matter is, the Bills just don't have that.
Graham also put this out there: "One of the league executives, who has communicated with Hopkins' camp, said his preferred passer won't supersede his preferred payout."
So, as much as Hopkins wants to play with a certain number of quarterbacks, that ultimately won't play the ultimate role in his decision. It sounds like it's going to be all about money, when push comes to shove.
While some Bills fans might not like to hear that, it's the reality of the NFL. This is a business, after all, and players want to maximize their short time in the league.