In a surprise move, the Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver released DeAndre Hopkins Friday after three seasons with the team. The timing is interesting because the Cardinals have already designated two players post-June 1 NFL cuts to spread his cap hit over the next two seasons. However, they released Hopkins a week before the deadline. That means his total hit of $22.6 million will hit the books this season. Hopkins is now a free agent and is free to sign with any team for the 2023 NFL season. Let’s take a look at how this breaking NFL news might affect the 2023 fantasy football rankings, NFL betting, ADP fantasy football, and more. Depending on where Hopkins lands, this news will change our fantasy football draft strategy, dynasty rookie rankingi fantasy football best ball drafts.
The loser here is obviously Kyler Murray (and whoever starts at QB while Murray recovers from his ACL). Fantasy winners are starting wide receivers like Marquise Brown, Rondale Mooreand possibly novice Michael Wilson. Zach Ertz he’s recovering from an ACL injury, so Trey McBride the season could start. We saw how Ertz did while Hopkins was out last year (TE3 through nine weeks in PPR). Or maybe this move could put a bigger veteran like Zach Ertz also on the commercial block.
Possible NFL landing spots for DeAndre Hopkins
Virtually every team in the NFL would be better DeAndre Hopkins. So the question comes down to whether Hopkins wants to maximize the money or give himself the best possible chance to win a Super Bowl. Here are some potential options.
They have the third-most cap space of any team and could use a big split end on the outside (especially with the suspension of Jameson Williams)
Long rumored as Hopkins’ trade partner, he would likely take a pay cut AND they would need to find cap space in a hurry.
Another team connected with Hopkins through rumors and they are also working to become OC Todd Monken’s new Air Raid offense. You need pass catchers for that.
It’s no secret that Bill Belichick and DeAndre Hopkins they have a lot of respect and have the cap space. But new OC Bill O’Brien probably doesn’t help after his tumultuous time in Houston.
If the Titans are serious about making another run Derrick Henry i Ryan Tannehill, DeAndre Hopkins would immediately improve a desperate WR group.
impact of DeAndre Hopkins‘ Communication on sports betting
It looks like Vegas was already “in the know” in this case, as the Cardinals already had the lowest/under win total (4.5) and the worst odds to win the Super Bowl (+20000). An early look suggests they haven’t changed much, but this news could push them even further. It is interesting to note that the Houston Texans they’re tied for the worst Super Bowl odds and also have a very low over-under: After this year’s draft day trade, the Cardinals own the Texans’ pick. So there’s a chance they end up with two very high picks in the 2024 NFL Draft or even the top two.
