The defending AFC East champion Buffalo Bills are among the teams most linked to five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on the NFL free agent market.
Ever since Hopkins was released by the Arizona Cardinals in late May, Buffalo has joined the likes of the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs in showing interest in the star pass-catcher.
But with training camps opening here soon, Hopkins remains unsigned. At least from the Bills’ perspective, there’s a major reason for this. While they are interested in the veteran, the Bills simply don’t want to pay him to his liking.
Related: Bring The Pain Podcast – Don’t Hop On This Train To Tennessee
“My understanding with the Bills is like, yeah, they love DeAndre Hopkins, he’d be a great addition, but they’re not going to pay him,” ESPN’s Jeff Darlington on the Buffalo Bills’ interest in Hopkins.
At this point, it’s becoming a theme relating to Hopkins. The Chiefs are also interested in Hopkins. But at this point in the NFL calendar, money is an issue. Kansas City is up against the salary cap. And while a specific move could free up some cash, teams are openly wondering what Hopkins is worth.
DeAndre Hopkins stats (2022): 64 receptions, 717 yards, 3 TD
From his rookie season back in 2023 to 2020, Hopkins averaged 93 receptions for 1,251 yards and eight touchdowns. Now set to enter his age 31 season, the three-time All-Pro is averaging 644 yards over the past two years.
That’s primarily due to a combination of injuries and the six-game suspension he received to open the 2022 campaign due to violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Drug (PED) policy.
Related: Buffalo Bills training camp preview
Buffalo Bills have a need at wide receiver
Regardless of the ongoing Stefon Diggs drama, Buffalo certainly has a need at this position heading into training camp.
Gabe Davis is set to start opposite Diggs in 2023. He caught 48 passes in 15 games a season ago. Outside of that, there’s not a lot to write home about in Western New York.
The next three in line, Trent Sherfield, Deonte Hardy and Khalil Shakir, caught a combined 42 passes a season ago.
Coming off yet another disappointing playoff exit, general manager Brandon Beane must do what’s necessary to give Josh Allen and Co. the most to succeed with moving forward. If that means meeting Hopkins’ asking price, so be it.