Months after trying to trade DeAndre Hopkins all offseason, the Arizona Cardinals finally allowed their three-time All-Pro receiver to enter free agency. Despite being set to turn 31, expectations were that Hopkins would quickly land on his feet with a contender where he’d become one of the team’s top targets.
We’re now approaching two weeks since the South Carolina native was given his walking papers, and his free agent market seemingly has yet to take shape. Several reports have emerged, linking the five-time Pro Bowler to several possible destinations, including a reunion with Deshaun Watson in Cleveland.
Other sources have suggested Hopkins’ market has been cold due to a declining skillset for a player who’s missed 15 games over the past two seasons (six were due to suspension). Who knows whether his lack of interest has to do with problems of his past or current salary demands, but we do know Hopkins will be finding a new team before the start of the season.
One competitor that has been closely linked to a potential Hopkins signing is the Buffalo Bills, who have come close to reaching the Super Bowl, but never quite had a chance to lift the Lombardi Trophy, like the receiver himself.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane was recently asked about the rumors of his team adding Hopkins to the roster, and he didn’t hesitate to heap praise on the unsigned free agent while also noting some challenges that may prevent a deal.
Hopkins may be seeking a contract closer to what Odell Beckham Jr. signed with the Baltimore Ravens when he inked a one-year, $15 million contract, with $13 million guaranteed. Teams just don’t have that kind of cash lying around at this point in the offseason.
According to Spotrac, the Bills have the second-fewest amount of cap space available, with just under $1.5 million to spend. Sure, teams love to restructure contracts and move some cash around, so we shouldn’t rule out the Bills or the Kansas City Chiefs, who have even less to spend, but it would take more salary cap gymnastics from the front office.
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