Is DeAndre Hopkins A Free Agent? Which Teams Would Be The Best Fit?

Star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was a first-round pick by the Houston Texans in the 2013 NFL Draft. Hopkins had an excellent seven years with the Texans, totaling 632 receptions on 1,048 targets for 8,602 receiving yards and 54 touchdowns.

However, Houston traded the star receiver to the Arizona Cardinals during the 2020 offseason. Hopkins has spent the past three years with the Cardinals, totaling 221 receptions on 320 targets for 2,696 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. Unfortunately, injuries limited his fantasy upside.

Hopkins didn’t miss a game in 2020. However, he missed 44.1% of the games over the past two years because of injuries and a suspension. Meanwhile, the star receiver has been the center of trade talk this offseason.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Is DeAndre Hopkins A Free Agent?

The Cardinals are entering a rebuilding phase. Therefore, the veteran wide receiver doesn’t fit their long-term outlook. While the team tried to trade away Hopkins over the past few months, the receiver’s age, injury history, and contract made getting a deal done nearly impossible.

While trade talks heated up around the 2023 NFL Draft, Arizona never got a deal done for the star wide receiver. Instead, the Cardinals released Hopkins earlier today, leaving behind $22.6 million in dead money.

Which Teams Would Be The Best Fit?

The star wide receiver is free to sign with any team now. However, Hopkins recently said on a podcast that there are five quarterbacks he would love to catch passes from: Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Herbert.

Instead of trying to force a trade to one of those teams, the star receiver can have his pick of where to sign. However, the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers already have talented wide receiver units, making their need for Hopkins minimal.

Yet, there will be a strong market for the former first-round pick. The Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens could all use Hopkins’ services. However, the two most likely landing spots are the Bills and Chiefs.

Hopkins has a good relationship with several members on the Bills. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have a significant need at wide receiver and the top quarterback in the NFL.

If he lands with the Bills, Hopkins will be the No. 2 wide receiver behind Stefon Diggs. Meanwhile, the veteran would be the top wide receiver in Kansas City. However, he would still be the No. 2 pass catcher behind Travis Kelce. Fantasy players should be excited about Hopkins if he signs with either team.

More Fantasy Football Analysis