The Arizona Cardinals released wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on Friday after months of speculation about his future with the team.
That speculation has now turned to potential landing spots for Hopkins.
Where could he next play?
Several teams have long been rumored as potential landing spots for Hopkins in a trade, and should be considered candidates for the wide receiver since he can now sign wherever he wants as a free agent.
Could we see Hopkins catching passes from Josh Allen in Buffalo?
How about teaming up with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City or with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore?
Where will DeAndre Hopkins sign?
Here are some potential landing spots for the free agent wide receiver:
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Buffalo Bills
Hopkins has said that he’d love to catch passes from Josh Allen, and he’d form a great receiving duo with Stefon Diggs for a team, and city, desperate to win a Super Bowl.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs just won a Super Bowl without a huge receiving threat. Can you imagine Hopkins leading their receiving corps? Patrick Mahomes is probably salivating thinking about the idea.
Dallas has CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, but Hopkins would give them another huge threat and make the Cowboys a favorite in the NFC (or perhaps the favorite?).
Can you imagine the 49ers adding Hopkins to an offense that consists of Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle? That would be a nightmare for the opposition, no matter who the quarterback is.
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New York Jets
The Jets already landed Aaron Rodgers to create a huge splash. Now imagine Hopkins catching passes from the quarterback. The Jets would be considered a favorite in the AFC.
Hopkins recently spoke glowingly of Lamar Jackson, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him land in Baltimore as Jackson’s No. 1 receiving threat. Would defenses be able to stop him, Jackson and Mark Andrews? Good luck with that.
Does Philadelphia have room for Hopkins? Several sites have speculated about his fit with the Eagles, who appear to be all-in on winning the Super Bowl next season. Adding Hopkins would definitely continue that trend.
Hopkins became a star playing with Deshaun Watson in Houston. Could he rejoin him in Cleveland? That would really elevate the Browns’ prospects next season in the AFC.
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The Patriots are desperate to upgrade their wide receiving corps. Hopkins would definitely be an upgrade. Bill Belichick has spoken highly of the receiver in the past.
The Titans haven’t been the same since A.J. Brown went to Philadelphia. Hopkins would give them that big-play threat that they sorely need in the air to accompany Derrick Henry on the ground.
Other possible teams for DeAndre Hopkins in 2023
Bookies.com recently had odds for where the Cardinals could trade Hopkins, and the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions joined several of the teams mentioned above in the odds.
Might one of those teams land Hopkins now in free agency?
Or could he end up with a different team altogether?
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Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: DeAndre Hopkins next team: Potential landing spots for wide receiver