The Arizona Cardinals found themselves at the center of ridicule on NFL Twitter after failing to secure a trade partner for star Wide Receiver DeAndre Hopkins and subsequently releasing him from the team. This move left fans and analysts puzzled, questioning the competence of the Cardinals’ front office.
For months, speculation had been swirling around the NFL rumor mill regarding the possibility of Hopkins being traded to a new team. However, on a fateful Friday, the Cardinals chose to part ways with the talented receiver, bringing an end to the saga with nothing to show for it except a significant cap hit.
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It seems that Arizona was unable to find a suitable trade partner for Hopkins, which further adds to the confusion and disappointment surrounding the decision. Meanwhile, Hopkins now has the freedom to choose his next team, while the Cardinals are left to deal with a $21 million dead cap hit for the 2023 season. On the positive side, this move does provide the team with extra cap space for the 2024 season since Hopkins’ contract is no longer on their books.
NFL Twitter wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to mock the Cardinals, viewing this as yet another display of the franchise’s incompetence. The lack of concrete trade offers on the table for Hopkins raises questions about the team’s approach and decision-making process. If indeed there were legitimate trade opportunities that were squandered, this would be a monumental blunder for the Cardinals.
Looking back, the Cardinals initially acquired Hopkins in a trade with the Houston Texans in 2020. In a deal that was widely regarded as a significant victory for Arizona, they sent running back David Johnson, a 2020 second-round pick, and a 2021 fourth-round pick to the Texans in exchange for Hopkins and a 2020 fourth-rounder. At the time, it appeared that the Cardinals had secured a steal in landing one of the league’s premier wide receivers.
During his debut season with the Cardinals, Hopkins proved his worth, accumulating an impressive 1,406 yards and six touchdowns. However, injuries and a six-game PED suspension limited his availability over the past two seasons, with Hopkins unable to suit up for more than 10 games in each campaign.
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Despite the potential Hopkins brought to the team, the investment did not pay off as anticipated, leaving the Cardinals empty-handed just three years later. Now, the entire NFL community finds humor in the situation, laughing at the misfortune of the Cardinals and questioning the decisions made by the organization.
The release of DeAndre Hopkins without a trade agreement in place has undoubtedly tarnished the Cardinals’ reputation and raised doubts about their ability to manage player personnel effectively. As the trolling continues on Twitter, the Cardinals must regroup and strategize their next moves to restore faith in their decision-making abilities and avoid similar mishaps in the future.
