21 June 2023 , 12:11
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NFL free agent DeAndre Hopkins is taking his time deciding his next team after being cut loose by the Arizona Cardinals, but the star wide receiver has made a promise to his future teammates once he settles on a destination.
The 31-year-old has visited with the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans since he was released by the Cardinals last month, but he is biding his time before deciding where he will play next season, still harbouring hopes he can land on the roster of a genuine Super Bowl contender.
On Monday, the three-time All-Pro wideout sent a statement of intent to the teams interested in his services. "Whoever’s in my future wide receiver group, I promise I will make your job easy," the former Houston Texans star tweeted.
According to the oddsmakers, the Pats are favourites to land Hopkins ahead of AFC East rivals the Buffalo Bills, with the Titans third in the running.
There is optimism in Foxborough that New England can get a deal done with the five-time Pro Bowl receiver, who spent a day visiting the team's facility last week, although he left without putting pen to paper on a contract.
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“The Patriots feel they’re in a pretty good spot," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on SportsCenter on Sunday. "They had a really productive visit with Hopkins on Thursday.
"He showed up early in the morning and was there late into the afternoon, spent part of the night in New England. Spent significant time in the building with Bill Belichick.
"I’m told there’s significant mutual respect between Hopkins, the player, and the Hall of Fame coach in Belichick. They’re hopeful, certainly.”
Hopkins poses with Patriots star Matthew Judon during his visit to Foxborough. (Twitter@https://twitter.com/PFF)It is understood Hopkins is looking for a deal in the region of the one-year, $15million tender signed by Odell Beckahm Jr when he signed for the Baltimore Ravens in April.
Hopkins spent three years with the Cardinals after starting his career with the Texans, hauling in a hugely impressive 1,407 yards and six touchdowns in his first season with the franchise.
He has been less productive in the ensuing seasons due to injuries and a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, but he was highly effective in the nine games he did play in 2022, leading the Cardinals in receiving with 717 yards.
With the franchise entering a rebuilding phase as quarterback Kyler Murray recovers from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Hopkins was eager to move on and play for a contender as he enters the final years of his prime.
And after failing to find a trade partner, the Cardinals granted Hopkins his wish by tearing up his contract and allowing him to become a free agent.
Where Hopkins lands remains to be seen with the 31-year-old in no rush to decide his future, but it is clear his confidence in his abilities has not diminished whatsoever.