The Arizona Cardinals released DeAndre Hopkins, and the Philadelphia Eagles are one of the teams linked to the wide receiver. The 2023 version of Hopkins isn’t the same dominant force as the guy from the mid to late 2010’s, but he’s still an above-average talent that could be the missing piece for a Super Bowl contender. The only question is whether the Eagles have the need and financial resources necessary to acquire the former first-round pick.
Should the Philadelphia Eagles Sign DeAndre Hopkins?
What Hopkins Wants
Prior to his release, DeAndre Hopkins appeared on the I Am Athlete podcast to discuss his NFL future. While on the program, the talented wideout said that he wants to play for a team with a stable organization, a quarterback that loves the game, and a great defense.
Quite frankly, that describes the Philadelphia Eagles to a tee. From an organizational standpoint, it’s hard to find a better combination of head coach and general manager than Nick Sirianni and Howie Roseman. Both guys are locked into their respective positions, and it’s hard to see either guy leaving their current role any time soon.
Jalen Hurts, meanwhile, has come a long way since entering the NFL. Once viewed as a developmental prospect, the former second-round pick has improved each and every year and is now one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Hopkins himself even listed Hurts as one of five quarterbacks he’d love to play with, so the interest is definitely there.
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
Despite the poor results in the Super Bowl, Philadelphia’s defense is among the best in the league. Last year, the unit finished as the sixth-best defense by DVOA and the fourth-best by EPA/play allowed, and it should be even better after an insanely good draft class.
Does DeAndre Hopkins Make Sense for the Eagles?
The Philadelphia Eagles have everything DeAndre Hopkins could want, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that a deal is imminent. After all, any potential contract needs to make sense for the Eagles as well.
Philadelphia has one of the best wide receiver duos in the league with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Brown is a top-five receiver that can do a little bit of everything at a high level, and Smith would be the top receiver on a good number of teams.
All 11 of A.J. Brown's touchdowns this season.
He was everything the Eagles could have asked for and more. pic.twitter.com/SvzMh2Z9Fk
— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) January 9, 2023
The depth behind those two, however, leaves something to be desired. Brown has something of an injury history, which means the team is just one snap away from starting Quez Watkins or Olamide Zaccheaus. That is not ideal, so adding Hopkins would provide a much-needed level of stability to the depth chart. However, when all three players are healthy, Hopkins probably wouldn’t be anything more than the third target in this offense, and that might be a tough adjustment for a player of his caliber.
However, if Hopkins is ok with a smaller target share, then the Eagles should have the money to make a deal work. As of this posting, the team has $13.54 million in available cap space. The Eagles won’t be the only team interested in DeAndre Hopkins, but if this turns into a bidding war, they should be able to make a more competitive offer than teams like the Buffalo Bills ($1.48 million in cap space) and the Kansas City Chiefs ($652,557).
Main Photo: Michael Chow – USA Today Sports
