26 May 2023 , 19:08
652
0
The Arizona Cardinals have released DeAndre Hopkins in a head-scratching decision with the superstar wide receiver looking to play elsewhere.
It comes as a huge surprise, with Hopkins still being one of the best wide receivers in the NFL - capable of dominating anyone that he comes up against. To see Hopkins move on from the team was not much of a shock, with the team clearly in rebuild mode under management with a first-time general manager and head coach.
But for the Cardinals not able to find any sort of compensation in the way of a trade for Hopkins, now making him a free agent for any team to sign straight away.
Hopkins is likely to join a contender, teams will be falling over themselves to attempt to get in contact with the All-Pro receiver - who could greatly enhance team's chances of making it to the Super Bowl.
But which teams are the most likely to sign Hopkins? Here, Mirror Sport takes a look at five landing spots, in teams who will undoubtedly be in for him.
Joe Burrow backs Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City Chiefs reach Super Bowl
Kansas City Chiefs
DeAndre Hopkins has already given an indication that he'd like to join these first four teams, naming their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, in his list of players he'd want to be team-mates with.
The most obvious team though, is the defending champions. The Chiefs have a huge hole to fill at wide receiver, losing both JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman this off-season without replacing them to an already thin position.
The Chiefs would need to do work to their salary cap to make it work, but it feels like Kansas City have to be one of the favourites.
Hopkins will have multiple suitorsBuffalo Bills
Another team who Hopkins admitted he'd be interested in joining, the Buffalo Bills would arguably be the strongest offense in the NFL with Hopkins and Stefon Diggs.
The Bills have been Super Bowl contenders for the last few seasons, but have struggled in the playoffs and could do with adding more playmakers for Josh Allen.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers offense will have a new-look to it after bringing in offensive coordinator Kellen Moore - while already having a lot of strength at receiver.
They have one of the best separators in Keenan Allen along with contested catch king Mike Williams, while first-round speedster Quinten Johnston joined last month.
But in Hopkins, they'd give Justin Herbert one of the best redzone threats in the league, and their only legitimate number one receiver.
Justin Herbert would love to see Hopkins added to his offenseBaltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson has already told the team that he'd like to see them bring in Hopkins and now that opportunity has become much more likely.
Along with Odell Beckham Jr, the Ravens would have one of the best duo's in the league. The team has the capabilities to pull it off, and Hopkins has already stated he'd like to play there.
Tom Brady announces retirement from NFL "for good" after 23 seasons
San Francisco 49ers
Hopkins in an offense coached by Kyle Shanahan... the thought is terrifying for rival NFL teams.
No head coach schemes up receivers and enhances their ability as well as Shanahan, and the team, and Brock Purdy's chances of succeeding would be hugely enhanced with 'Nuk' on the team.
A trade in the division from Arizona was always unlikely, but now the superstar is available to discuss deals with anyone as a free agent - it cannot be ruled out.