The star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is currently a free agent who is yet to find a new home in NFL. After getting released by the Arizona Cardinals, the free agent has been searching for his potential next destination and visited some of his potential landing destinations earlier.
The three-time first-team All-Pro missed eight games last season due to a suspension and an injury, albeit he proved himself as a formidable force when he was fit. Having 853 receptions for 11,298 yards and 71 touchdowns in his career stat, the WR is eyeing to get a contract that would match his expectations.
Is DeAndre Hopkins still a free agent because of his demand to land a $15M deal?
D-Hop is reportedly seeking a contract similar to the Baltimore Ravens star Odell Beckham Jr’s one-year, $15 million deal with up to $3 million in incentives, per a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Tim Graham of The Athletic said an NFL executive who earlier had a discussion with the ex-Cardinals player told him that the wide receiver’s “preferred passer won’t supersede his preferred payout.”
He expressed eagerness to play with Buffalo Bills Josh Allen, Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Hurts, Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes, Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson, and Los Angeles Chargers Justin Herbert on the ‘I Am Athlete’ podcast. Nevertheless, with the amount the football star is expecting to get, most teams will need to create cap space to include him in their roster for the upcoming season.
The five-time Pro Bowler earned approximately $55 million in his three seasons in Arizona before getting released, albeit he might now need to sign for less to withdraw his name from the free agent list.
Which NFL Teams are interested in DeAndre Hopkins?
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots have been showcasing great interest in acquiring DeAndre, albeit the Titans have been more aggressive to sign him.
“The Tennessee Titans and Patriots have made offers, the Titans have been more aggressive to this point and Hopkins hasn’t been in a rush to sign. One reason for Hopkins to wait a bit longer is to leave open the possibility of another team entering the mix, potentially increasing his market,” the reporter wrote.
The former Clemson Tigers star visited Tennessee and New England earlier and the journey probably has gone well as both teams seem to remain interested in acquiring him, albeit NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said ‘no signing is imminent’.
The 10-year NFL veteran was also been linked to Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs as ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler revealed the franchise is keeping contact with him during an appearance on SportsCenter. Nevertheless, Fowler said the Patriots and the Titans remained the top two contenders to sign the WR while the Chiefs are “on the periphery.”
With the new season approaching fast, it remains to be seen if Hopkins can find the team he wanted, albeit, with his potential demanded amount, teams might need to adjust their roster before signing him in their squad.
