DeAndre Hopkins has already stated the five quarterbacks he would like to play for after being released by the Arizona Cardinals.
The NFC West team announced the decision to release Hopkins on Friday, after being unable to find a trade partner. There had been plenty of speculation surrounding the wide receiver’s future in Arizona, which has ultimately led to him being released.
Hopkins was traded to the Cardinals from the Houston Texans in 2020, after being the 27th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Arizona gave up a second round pick and a fourth round pick in order to bring Hopkins to the State Farm Stadium, but now his time in the desert has come to an end.
After the release of Hopkins, a number of teams are expected to be interested in picking up the wide receiver as a free agent. the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens are just some of the teams all likely to be interested.
The 30-year-old recently appeared on the IAmAthlete podcast, where he listed the top quarterbacks he would like to play for. Hopkins has spent the last three seasons playing alongside Kyler Murray with Arizona, and when asked for his preference he named a QB who reminds him of NFL legend Andrew Luck.
"That's a good question,” said Hopkins. “I would have to say one of my favorite quarterbacks I've been watching since he came in the league is Josh Allen. He reminds me of a new-school Andrew Luck."
When naming his other quarterbacks, Hopkins then listed Jalen Hurts Philadelphia Eagles), Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) and Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens), in that order. With his final quarterback selection, when asked if the Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott would be included, he shook his head before answering with Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers).
It was in the same podcast where Hopkins appeared to aim a dig in the direction of the Cardinals. "What I want is stable management upstairs," Hopkins added.
"I think that’s something I haven’t really had the past couple years of my career coming from Houston (Texans) to being in Arizona. I’ve been through three to four GMs through my career. So stable management — a QB who loves the game. A QB who brings everybody on board with him and pushes not just himself, but people around him. I don’t need a great QB. I’ve done it with subpar QBs — just a QB who loves the game like I do."
Hopkins then clarified his position on Murray, and was rather careful with his words as he gave his opinion on the quarterback, who is on the sidelines with a long-term injury.
"I think Kyler is a quarterback who loves the game as well," said Hopkins. "But he’s injured. So right now, for me, I’m playing with Colt McCoy, who I love. So who knows? Right now, I don’t have a Pro Bowl quarterback."
