“Why DeAndre Hopkins Release Is a Major Blow to Arizona Cardinals Offense”

Arizona Cardinals Release DeAndre Hopkins: The End of an Era

The Arizona Cardinals made a shocking move on Friday, announcing their decision to release star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Considered by many to be one of the best wide receivers in the game, Hopkins had been a key part of the Cardinals’ offense since he was acquired from the Houston Texans in March 2020. However, his time in the desert has come to a sudden close and the Cardinals are now faced with the challenge of moving on without their top receiver.

The Financial Impact

There is no doubt that the release of Hopkins will have significant financial implications for the Cardinals. With two years left on his contract, Hopkins carried a hefty cap hit of $30.7 million before it was set to drop to $26.2 million in 2024. By releasing him, the Cardinals have freed up $8.1 million in cap space but will also take a dead-money hit of $22.6 million for 2023. Had they not released Hopkins before or on June 1, they would have freed up $19.4 million in 2023 and $14.9 million in 2024, but would have been obliged to take a dead-money hit of $11.3 million in each of the next two seasons.

The Impact on the Offense

The loss of Hopkins will undoubtedly have a major impact on the Cardinals’ offense. In his three seasons in Arizona, he recorded 2,696 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on 221 catches. Despite missing seven games due to injuries in 2021, Hopkins still led all Cardinals’ pass catchers with eight scores. The wideout led the team in receiving yards with 717 this past season as well. Hopkins was a game-changer and the Cardinals were at their best with him on the field. Defenses had to keep added eyes on the wideout, opening up other holes to exploit, and he gave quarterback Kyler Murray an unquestioned No. 1 option.

With Hopkins out of the mix, the Cardinals will likely turn to Hollywood Brown as the team’s No. 1 option at WR next season. Rondale Moore, Zach Pascal, and Greg Dortch also figure to see a fair share of targets in their respective roles.

The Future of the Arizona Cardinals

Despite the loss of Hopkins, the Cardinals still have a talented roster and a bright future ahead of them. They were a playoff team in 2020 and narrowly missed out on the postseason in 2021. With quarterback Kyler Murray entering his prime and head coach Kliff Kingsbury leading the charge, the future is certainly bright in Arizona.

That being said, the decision to release Hopkins raises questions about the Cardinals’ long-term direction. Did they release Hopkins to free up cap space, or was there a deeper issue at play? Was Hopkins happy with his role in the offense? Was there tension between him and the coaching staff? These are important questions that the Cardinals will need to answer in the coming months.

The Larger Philosophical Question

Finally, the release of Hopkins raises a larger philosophical question about the nature of sports. In a league where winning and financial success are often prioritized over loyalty and player development, it can be easy to dismiss this move as yet another example of teams putting business first. However, it is important to remember that athletes are human beings with emotions, aspirations, and ambitions.

For Hopkins, being released by the Cardinals likely came as a shock. He had invested time and energy into the organization and had developed strong bonds with his teammates. Being suddenly cut could be a devastating blow to his confidence and sense of self-worth. While it is certainly true that the NFL is a business, we must also remember the human impact of decisions like this.

Editorial: The Cardinals Made a Huge Mistake

From an editorial perspective, it is hard to justify the Cardinals’ decision to release Hopkins. He was the team’s top receiver and a significant contributor to their success over the past three seasons. While it is true that his contract carried a hefty price tag, it is also true that he was worth every penny.

The Cardinals had an opportunity to build around Hopkins and Murray, creating a dynamic and explosive offense that could have dominated the NFC West for years to come. Instead, they have now created a major hole in their roster and will likely have to spend significant resources to replace him.

Advice

In the end, the loss of Hopkins serves as a reminder that success in the NFL is not guaranteed. Teams must make tough decisions and sacrifices to stay competitive, but they must also consider the human impact of those decisions. As fans, we must also remember that sports are not just about winning and losing, but about the relationships and bonds that are formed between players, coaches, and fans.

For the Cardinals, the future remains uncertain, but they still have a strong foundation to build upon. It will be up to the front office to make smart decisions and build a team that can compete at the highest level. As for Hopkins, he will undoubtedly find a new home and continue to be one of the most dominant wide receivers in the game.