2023-05-26 18:08:46
The Arizona Cardinals made a big decision on Friday, announcing the release of star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. After failing to find a trade partner, the team had to part ways with Hopkins and absorb a significant dead-cap charge of $21 million for the 2023 season.
The Cardinals explored trade options for Hopkins throughout the offseason, but his hefty $19.45-million salary presented challenges. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports that negotiations with multiple teams ultimately fell through.
Speculation about Hopkins’ future with the Cardinals has been swirling for months. Rumors of a potential trade with the Tennessee Titans emerged on the first night of the 2023 NFL Draftbut nothing materialized. The New England Patriots also expressed interest in acquiring Hopkins earlier in the offseason.
Hopkins decided to skip voluntary OTAs this week and chose to train in Toronto instead. His absence raised eyebrows and added fuel to the already intense speculation surrounding his status with the team.
Hopkins production has declined due to some injuries
Since joining the Cardinals in a trade with the Houston Texans in 2020, Hopkins has spent three seasons in Arizona. In his debut season with the franchise he had 115 receptions for 1,407 yards. However, his production declined over the following two seasons due to injuries and a suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Last season, Hopkins played in only nine games, tallying 64 receptions for 717 yards and three touchdowns. The Cardinals had high hopes for him, but circumstances prevented him from reaching his full potential on the field.
With the release of Hopkinsthe Cardinals face a significant dead-cap hit of $21 million in 2023. However, there is a possibility that they could designate him as a post-June 1 cut to spread the cap hit between 2023 and 2024.
Drafted 27th overall by the Houston Texans in 2013, Hopkins spent the first seven seasons of his career in Houston, earning Pro Bowl honors four times. His trade to Arizona was a significant move, but unfortunately, circumstances did not pan out as expected.
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