DeAndre Hopkins could snub Aaron Rodgers' Jets in favor of division rival
The New York Jets became Super Bowl contenders the moment Aaron Rodgers walked in the building. After missing out on Odell Beckham in free agency, signing DeAndre Hopkins would be a significant move for the Jets.
Hopkins is a free agent after the Arizona Cardinals surprisingly released him on Friday.
Rodgers is already surrounded by receiving talent in New York, with NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and former Packers teammates Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb to throw to. But Hopkins is a game-changer.
If there's competition to sign Hopkins, he could have his pick of several contending teams. The Jets should show interest in the All-Pro wide receiver.
But that doesn't mean he would sign with them.
Aaron Rodgers not on DeAndre Hopkins' list of QBs he most wants to play with
A wide receiver duo of DeAndre Hopkins and Garrett Wilson would rank near the top Aaron Rodgers has played with. However, Hopkins would have to choose to sign in New York, first.
Speaking on the I Am Athlete podcast, Hopkins named five quarterbacks he would most want to play with. A player not on the list was Aaron Rodgers.
On a recent appearance on the “I Am Athlete” podcast, free-agent WR DeAndre Hopkins listed the five QBs he’d most like to catch passes from: the Bills’ Josh Allen, the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson and the Chargers’ Justin Herbert.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 26, 2023
Hopkins named Josh Allen, who plays for the Jets' division-rival Buffalo Bills.
Last month, Hopkins was asked about the possibility of playing for the Jets, and he didn't look too impressed. As a guest on the All Things Covered podcast for CBS Sports, Hopkins was asked to respond using only body language about potential landing spots.
When asked about the Jets, Hopkins didn't appear too interested. That changed when the Bills' name came up.
DeAndre Hopkins knows how to use his body language to make a statement about where he may wanna head next 👀👀 @ATCoveredPod pic.twitter.com/wExi14e28M
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 16, 2023
Maybe the Jets can convince Hopkins to sign with them. But there are other contenders with great quarterbacks in the AFC, including within their own division.
Aaron Rodgers throwing to Hopkins would increase the Jets' championship chances, but it's possible he ends up playing against Rodgers' team twice a year.
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