J.J. Watt Gives Ringing Endorsement of DeAndre Hopkins After WR’s Shocking Release

The retired pass rusher rushed to Twitter to support the free-agent receiver and his former teammate.

J.J. Watt had a message for those doubting the future of DeAndre Hopkins on Friday in the aftermath of the star receiver’s sudden release from the Cardinals.

Watt, Hopkins’s former teammate with the Texans and Cardinals, appeared to be among the many NFL fans and pundits with thoughts on Hopkins suddenly becoming one of the top free agents on the market. In fact, according to Watt, the team that manages to land the 30-year-old wideout would be adding a skillset not found on any current roster. 

The retired pass rusher took to social media to offer a ringing endorsement for D-Hop by casting the 10-year veteran over the likes of Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase as his pick for which receiver has the best hands in the NFL. 

“Hop still has the best hands in the league,” Watt declared on Twitter.

Hop still has the best hands in the league.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 26, 2023

Watt’s tweet generated plenty of additional buzz surrounding what lies ahead for Hopkins as the NFL awaits his looming decision. And, while some fans may question Watt’s take, it’s not hard to understand the future Hall of Famer’s perspective considering the time he spent with Hopkins over the course of his 12-year career. 

During their time together in Houston from 2011 to ’19, Hopkins earned three first-team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl nods. They later reunited in Arizona from 2021 to ’22, where Hopkins was named a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in ’20.

Needless to say, it’ll be interesting to see where Hopkins lands by the start of his 11th NFL season as free agency starts to heat up.