DeAndre Hopkins Rumor Updates

In recent weeks, rumors have been continually spread amongst NFL fans surrounding the speculation of a potential blockbuster trade involving former Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins. The 30-year-old has been been widely regarded as one of the league’s most electrifying players with his game-changing abilities. The focus of these rumors has shifted even further to our very own Buffalo Bills, who are still hungry for offensive firepower and looking to bolster their receiving corps.

While we impatiently await confirmation or denial of these rumors, here’s what we do know:

Arizona Cardinals Officially Release Hopkins

Last Friday, the Cardinals took to Twitter to announce the release of their All-Pro WR.

On Tuesday, Hopkins officially became a free agent. With this release, he is free to sign with any team he wants.

Buffalo Wants Him… BAD

A few months ago, Von Miller vocalized his desire for Hopkins to join the team. Recently, other players have been doing the same as well. On Friday — the very same day Hopkins’ release was announced — Bills DE Shaq Lawson expressed his thoughts as well:

While this may not be indicative of the truth of the rumors, it certainly contributes to building the strong foundation of the desire to have D Hop on the team.

Even the Experts Agree!

ESPN Analyst Jeremy Fowler discussed his thoughts on Hopkins joining the Buffalo Bills in a recent video:

“My money would still be on the Bills or Chiefs working something out. And when you talk to other NFL teams, they think the Bills are a threat here and have been for awhile.”

Fowler on the D Hop to Buffalo rumors

By the sounds of it, Fowler seems to agree that Buffalo is the more viable option — and he’s not the only one. NFL Analyst and Sports Illustrated Contributor Albert Breer agreed as well, saying in an interview on Saturday that the Buffalo Bills are amongst one of the only teams who had substantial trade talks with the Cardinals prior to his release.

#BillsMafia is Manifesting

After his official release from the Cardinals last Friday, Bills fans took Twitter by storm with even further speculations of DeAndre Hopkins “hinting” at his move to Buffalo.

Hopkins tweeted a photo collage of some of his significant moments during his time in Arizona. One significant moment he did NOT include was the infamous “Hail Murray”. Was this a hint at him coming to Buffalo? Who knows. But, it certainly is an interesting point.

Another “hint” Bills fans across the internet picked up on was Hopkins’ recent Instagram Story in Toronto, where he shared that he “like(s) the cold now”:

Not only is Toronto a short drive from Buffalo, but perhaps this was a clue that the soon to be 31-year-old is preparing to head to the notoriously snowy city? We certainly hope so.

Let’s Look at the Financials

According to OverTheCap, the Buffalo Bills cannot afford Hopkins as it currently stands. However, neither can another interested party, the Kansas City Chiefs. Buffalo has just $1.4 million remaining to spend this offseason, but, it’s possible they could make some big financial maneuvers.

Upon closer examination of the numbers, the Bills have the opportunity to generate more than $16 million in extra cap space by restructuring three contracts: OT Dion Dawkins, C Mitch Morse, and CB Tre’Davious White.

If Hopkins were to agree to a contract similar to Odell Beckham Jr.’s recent deal with the Baltimore Ravens, which one can assume he might, the Bills would have the resources to bring the former first-round pick into their receiving corps, complementing the likes of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.

Are the Rumors True? Only Time Will Tell.

The potential of DeAndre Hopkins joining the Buffalo Bills has sparked so much excitement and speculation, and we are all ready for an answer. Until then, continue those manifestations #BillsMafia!

Featured Image: Getty Images