The looming question in NFL circles right now is where will free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins end up. The three-time First-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler has been heavily linked to the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and now Carolina Panthers since his release from the Arizona Cardinals on May 26. All three potential destinations would directly benefit a former Alabama player.
The Patriots have been the front-runner all along due to his connection with his former Texans’ head coach, Bill O’Brien. O’Brien now serves as the offensive coordinator for New England after a two-year stint with the Crimson Tide in the same role. The Patriots and quarterback, Mac Jones, are in dire need of a reliable No. 1 wide receiver to command their offense as they have been one of the worst teams at the wide receiver position since the retirement of Julian Edelman.
As for the Browns, the addition of Hopkins would garnish one of the best-receiving duos in the NFL opposite of Amari Cooper. Last year, Cooper was outstanding for the Browns, despite constantly facing double teams and having defenses plan strictly for him as they had no other real receiving threats. The Browns are probably the best team of the three current suitors, and they also have an outstanding run game, so Hopkins wouldn’t be asked to have 100+ receptions.
The Panthers have been a bit more of a dark horse until recently. However, Bryce Young has flipped the narrative in Charlotte as they now have a real chance to win a weak NFC South division. The Panthers have the most cap space of the three teams and Hopkins is originally from Clemson, South Carolina, which is less than two and a half hours away from Charlotte so it would be a homecoming in that sense. Carolina added Adam Thielen in free agency and drafted Jonathan Mingo out of Ole Miss to revamp the WR room after trading away DJ Moore, but landing an elite No. 1 receiver like Hopkins for Young would be monumental in his development.
While the New England Patriots sound like the leaders, the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers are still lurking on DeAndre Hopkins, per Sal Paolantonio on ESPN Radio.
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) June 27, 2023
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