The Arizona Cardinals announced they have released five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on Friday.
It’s a surprising move from the team after trying to shop the 30-year-old wideout in the offseason. At one point, it was reported that the Cardinals wanted a trade package like the one the Carolina Panthers got from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for running back Christian McCaffrey.
The Patriots were believed to be one of the teams interested in trading for Hopkins. When appearing on the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast, Hopkins said the Patriots and Buffalo Bills were two teams in particular he was eyeing as possible trade destinations.
We have released Deandre Hopkins. pic.twitter.com/POnAb3uhWH
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 26, 2023
Whether the Patriots are still interested or not remains to be seen. One thing is certain: The addition of an elite receiver like Hopkins would be the missing piece to put the offensive unit in New England over the top.
But they won’t be the only ones vying for his services.
