DeAndre Hopkins hints a lack of interest in joining the New York Jets
After the New York Jets allowed Odell Beckham Jr. to sign with the Baltimore Ravens, fans and media quickly began stirring up rumors that New York could pursue another high-profile wide receiver: DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins is openly on the trade block, and the Jets would seem like an obvious fit for the star wide receiver. After all, they did attempt to go after OBJ.
But according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Jets have not been linked to Hopkins, meaning the rumors are nothing more than speculation.
As it turns out, the feeling could be mutual.
Appearing in a video for the All Things Covered Pod, Hopkins participated in a game where he gave his non-verbal reaction to teams that could potentially trade for him. The Jets were one of the four teams mentioned. Based on Hopkins’ reaction, it’s safe to say we won’t see him in Green and White this season.
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
Hopkins also didn’t appear interested in the New England Patriots, but he did show a desire to play for AFC East rival Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The reasoning behind Hopkins’ lack of interest in the Jets is unknown. As for the Jets, there are plenty of reasons not to pursue the 30-year-old wide receiver.
The Arizona Cardinals reportedly want a Day 2 pick in this year’s draft for Hopkins. Considering Brandin Cooks was just traded for two Day 3 picks and Amari Cooper was traded for a Day 3 pick last year, that price tag is well above market value.
This season, Hopkins is expected to make $19.5 million. The following year he’s scheduled to make $14.9 million. The Jets didn’t want to go near $15 million for Beckham, so it seems unlikely the team would go beyond that for Hopkins.
With the Jets out on OBJ and Hopkins an unlikely trade target, it’s possible the team targets a wide receiver in the NFL draft. As for now, don’t hold your breath on a Hopkins-to-Jets trade.
