The Arizona Cardinals released DeAndre Hopkins yesterday afternoon, and the Buffalo Bills should be doing everything in their power to sign the three-time All-Pro. While Hopkins might not be the same unstoppable force he once was, the wide receiver still has plenty left in his tank and could be the missing piece to make the Bills the kings of the AFC. However, there are some obstacles standing between both sides reaching an agreement.
Are the Buffalo Bills the Favorites to Sign DeAndre Hopkins?
What Hopkins Wants
Prior to his release, DeAndre Hopkins appeared on the I Am Athlete podcast to discuss what he’d want in a new team. Per his exact words, the wide receiver is looking for a team with stable management, a quarterback that loves the game, and a great defense.
Quite frankly, it seems as though DeAndre Hopkins is describing the Buffalo Bills. The organizational stability speaks for itself, as Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane have established themselves as two of the best in the league at their respective positions. Neither guy is going anywhere any time soon, and that consistency has got to be a good selling point for Hopkins.
The Bills also have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Josh Allen, and DeAndre Hopkins knows it. At a separate point in the podcast, Hopkins was asked about his preferred quarterbacks, and the former All Pro used the opportunity to gush about Allen’s skills. While he went on to mention some other quarterbacks, it’s clear that Allen is at the top of his wishlist.
DeAndre Hopkins was asked on @IAMATHLETEpod which QBs he'd love to have throwing him the ball. #Bills QB Josh Allen was quickly his first answer.
Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert rounded out his top-5.pic.twitter.com/gtepzf9JD4
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 22, 2023
While the defense isn’t an elite unit like the Legion of Boom, it’s still a pretty talented group. Last year, the unit finished the year ranked seventh in EPA/play allowed and fourth in DVOA. So, the Bills have everything DeAndre Hopkins wants, so what’s stopping the two sides from teaming up?
Does DeAndre Hopkins Fit the Bills?
Obviously, it takes two to tango, so we also need to see if the Bills would want to go after DeAndre Hopkins. While it’s clear that Hopkins is interested in Buffalo, we can reasonably assume that the feelings are mutual.
The Buffalo Bills have a phenomenal wide receiver in Stefon Diggs, but they desperately need another starter on the outside. Gabriel Davis is better off in a reserve role, and rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid will probably need some time before he’s ready to be a featured part of this passing attack. Combining Diggs and DeAndre Hopkins would give the Bills one of the most lethal wide receiver duos in the league, especially when you factor in that Josh Allen is throwing the ball.
The biggest hurdle here is the money. Several teams are going to be interested in DeAndre Hopkins, and the Bills do not have the financial resources to outbid the competition. The New Orleans Saints, for instance, have $14.27 million in cap space, far more than Buffalo’s paltry $1.48 million.
Buffalo can make a few moves to clear cap space, but Hopkins might have to take a team-friendly deal if he wants to join the Bills. Only time will tell what happens here, but if the two sides can make the money work, then this pairing makes all the sense in the world.
Main Photo: Michael Chow – USA Today Sports
