Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has expressed his desire for stable management, a quarterback who loves the game and brings everyone on board, and a great defense. Hopkins had an excellent first season with the Cardinals, setting a franchise record with 115 catches for 1,407 yards and six touchdowns. However, his second season was marred by injuries, and he was suspended for the first six games of the 2022 season for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Despite playing well in the nine games after his return, Hopkins’ numbers suffered due to quarterback injuries, and he missed the last two games of the season with concerns about his knee. With Hopkins’ departure, Hollywood Brown is now the Cardinals’ No. 1 receiver.
Citing azcardinals.com, the Arizona Cardinals have released wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. This move comes as a surprise to many fans, as Hopkins has been a key player for the team since he was acquired in 2020.
Hopkins had expressed his desire for stable management and a great defense, as well as a quarterback who loves the game and brings everyone on board with him. Unfortunately, his time with the Cardinals was marred by injuries and a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.
Despite these setbacks, Hopkins was still a valuable asset to the team. In his first season with the Cardinals, he set a franchise record with 115 catches for 1,407 yards and six touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors. In his second season, he scored eight touchdowns in 10 games despite missing seven games due to injury. And in his third season, he played well in the nine games after his suspension, making 64 catches for 717 yards and three touchdowns.
However, the Cardinals’ quarterback injuries and concerns about Hopkins’ knee led to a decline in his numbers. With Hopkins’ departure, the team will have to rely on other receivers such as Hollywood Brown, Rondale Moore, Zach Pascal, Greg Dortch, and third-round pick Michael Wilson.
The decision to release Hopkins is likely a difficult one for the Cardinals, as he was a fan favorite and a talented player. However, it may have been necessary for the team to move forward and make room for other players to step up and fill the void.
As the final analysis, Hopkins’ time with the Cardinals was marked by both success and setbacks. While his departure may be disappointing for fans, it is also an opportunity for the team to evolve and grow. Only time will tell how this decision will impact the Cardinals’ future, but one thing is certain: Hopkins’ talent and contributions will not be forgotten.