Jets need to stay away from DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins was released by the Arizona Cardinals last Friday and every team has been asking themselves if they should kick the tires on the star wide receiver. For the Jets, that answer should be a resounding “no”. Earlier, we posted an article highlighting some of the free agents or trade targets the Jets might […]
DeAndre Hopkins was released by the Arizona Cardinals last Friday and every team has been asking themselves if they should kick the tires on the star wide receiver.
For the Jets, that answer should be a resounding “no”.
Earlier, we posted an article highlighting some of the free agents or trade targets the Jets might be interested in. DeAndre Hopkins name was not on the list because the contract was simply too big to consider for his ability. Now that he is a free agent, the Jets should still stay away.
Let’s get one thing clear from the outset. This is not the DeAndre Hopkins of 2015 when he caught 111 balls for over 1,500 yards and 11 Touchdowns for the Houston Texans. This is not the DeAndre Hopkins who caught even more passes for 1,400 yards in his first year with the Arizona Cardinals.
This is the DeAndre Hopkins who is days away from being 31 years old and has missed significant time in his last two seasons both for injury and suspension.
Sports Illustrated writer Albert Breer spoke with several NFL executives and the verdict on Hopkins’ future were split. But one executive said, “He can’t run anymore”. Another executive was complimentary on his hands, but everything else?
“Still great hands, he is not going to separate, not much of a deep threat, but very strong, and makes contested catches as well as anyone in the NFL. Does not love to practice—I can’t imagine that’ll get any better. And when things don’t go well, you’re always gonna be leery. ‘All right, what kind of drama are we gonna get from this guy?’ When things are great, he’s great. When things go south, his true colors show a little bit. – Unnamed AFC Executive to SI’s Albert Breer
The kind of attitude described by the AFC executive seems exactly like the kind of thing GM Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh have been trying to ween out of this organization the last few years. Say what you want about some of the attitude criticisms of Aaron Rodgers, not one person will tell you he doesn’t love the game or mails it in when things get tough.
There are even reports that Hopkins upset a lot of the Cardinals organization by sitting out the final two games of the 2022 season despite being healthy. Does that sound like the kind of guy the Jets should target for a Super Bowl run? Maybe you look the other way for 2015 DeAndre Hopkins. But not for the 2023 version.
Hopkins still views himself as a top receiver in the league. His demeanor when asked by former NFL DB Bryant McFadden about possible landing spots show he still feels like he can cherry pick his next destination.
The other reason the Jets should not be interested in Hopkins is shown in the clip above. He doesn’t want to be in New York. He doesn’t want to catch passes from Aaron Rodgers. Why would the Jets want to bring in a guy like that?
The Jets are in a unique position in the wide receiver room. They have a young emerging super star in Garrett Wilson. They have an absolute speed threat in Mecole Hardman. They have a couple of really reliable dudes in Corey Davis and Allen Lazard. They have Aaron Rodgers’ woobie Randall Cobb and don’t forget about Denzel Mims who may finally reach his full potential.
In other words, the Jets don’t NEED anything in the wide receiver room. They could always use an upgrade but there is no real pressure to add to the room. The Jets wide receiver room is better situated than 75% of the league and that’s before you add a future hall of famer distributing the ball.
With Hopkins cold stare at the prospect of joining the Jets to go along with his age and declining skills, it would be a hard “no thanks” if he came calling now that he is free from Arizona.
Featured Image via Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
