DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at State Farm Stadium on October 20, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals surprisingly released DeAndre Hopkins after being unable to find a trade suitor for the former All-Pro.
DeAndre Hopkins previous no-trade clause was dropped after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs prior to the 2022 season. Hopkins was suspended for six games, and had 717 receiving yards and three touchdowns in nine games. Considering his previous production — which included a 1,400-yard season with Arizona and two 1,500-yard seasons with Houston — the last few years have been lackluster.
Hopkins made several cryptic comments suggesting he was on the outs in Arizona. It was a rather open secret that the Cardinals shopped him during the NFL Draft. Even with reports that the two sides had rekindled, a trade seemed likely.
Apparently, Arizona didn’t like the offers they got, releasing Hopkins onto the open market.
NFL Rumors: Detroit Lions are a good fit for DeAndre Hopkins
A dark horse fit for Hopkins is the Detroit Lions, who have revived the football culture in MoTown. Alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, Hopkins could help form an elite receiving trio. The Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs and signed David Montgomery, as well, giving them one of the best skill-position groups in football.
Adding Hopkins to the mix, especially if he can regain his 2021 form, would give Jared Goff more weapons than he knows what to do with.
Hopkins recently listed a number of quarterbacks he’d be interested in playing for on the ‘I Am Athlete’ podcast. Goff was nowhere on that list, though he could be in the Lions long-term plans. Goff made a Super Bowl appearance with the Los Angeles Rams, and he’s steadily improved during his time with the Lions.
With another No. 1 target alongside St. Brown, there’s no telling how many points this Lions offense can put up on a per-game basis.
