What DeAndre Hopkins Getting Released Means for Detroit Lions

Could DeAndre Hopkins join the Detroit Lions?

Veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was released by the Arizona Cardinals Friday, ending his three-year stint with the team. 

The Detroit Lions have been listed by several NFL pundits as a potential landing spot, likely due to the recent success of the offense and the significantly improved culture. 

If Hopkins were to join Detroit, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson could deploy the talented 30-year-old wideout, along with Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Marvin Jones and Josh Reynolds. 

According to the league's website, "A year ago, this would have been a laughable landing spot. But as free-agent signee David Montgomery said this week, Dan Campbell is a coach for whom players want to run through a wall. Hopkins would provide Detroit with an experienced target who could also help guide the team through what Lions fans hope will be a run to the postseason. And as long as Jared Goff can produce at a rate similar to his 2022 output, it would be an ideal pairing."

The Cardinals attempted to move Hopkins prior to deciding upon his release. But, his elevated salary of nearly $20 million likely was viewed as too costly to take on by many NFL squads. 

Hopkins recently appeared on the "I AM ATHLETE" podcast, and expressed what he is seeking in teams he could potentially join. 

"What I want is stable management upstairs," Hopkins said. "I think that's something I haven't really had the past couple years of my career coming from Houston and then to Arizona. I've been through three or four GMs in my career, so a stable management. A QB who loves the game, a QB who brings everybody on board with him and pushes not just himself but everybody around him. And a great defense. A great defense wins championships."

Hopkins is a five-time Pro Bowler, and has also been named to five All-Pro teams.