DeAndre Hopkins hinted strongly at the beginning of May that he'd be staying with the Arizona Cardinals.
On Monday's edition of the "I Am Athlete" podcast, Hopkins seemed to reverse course with some of the things he said.
While he spent time praising the likes of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Buffalo Bills signal-caller Josh Allen, his words on the Cardinals quarterbacks weren't quite as glowing.
Deandre Hopkins on rumors of Lamar Jackson wanting the @Ravens to acquire him…
— I AM ATHLETE (@IAMATHLETEpod) May 22, 2023
“I’d be lying if i didn’t say, It would be a honor [if my career allows me] to play with a great guy and great quarterback like @Lj_era8”
It’s time to give D-Hop what he wants!
— Buffalo Fanatics (@BfloFanatics) May 22, 2023
(h/t @IAMATHLETEpod) pic.twitter.com/3fg4iRVv3A
D-Hop, on @IAMATHLETEpod, said QB play is important at this stage of his career.
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) May 22, 2023
“Kyler is a quarterback who loves the game, but he’s injured. Right now, I’m playing with Colt McCoy – who I love – but who knows? Right now I don’t currently have a Pro Bowl quarterback.”
Compared to how he was hinting at a future in Arizona just three weeks ago, the star wide receiver's words on Monday are mixed signals at best. At worst, this is clearly a bad look for Hopkins, showing his discontent with the Cardinals' situation and some in Arizona may feel he's not being a good teammate.
For what it's worth, general manager Monti Ossenfort said during the NFL Draft that he didn't "foresee" a Hopkins trade happening this offseason.
The five-time Pro Bowler played in a career-low nine games last season, thanks largely to his six-game PED suspension. Hopkins was still productive though, collecting 64 receptions for 717 and three touchdowns while posting a solid 66.7% catch percentage.
Despite the missed time, Hopkins still finished first among all Arizona players in receiving yards and finished second in catches and targets, just behind Marquise Brown in both categories.
The soon-to-be 31-year-old is scheduled to hit free agency after the 2024 season.
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