NFL Rumors: Star Free Agent Wide Receiver Holding Out for Better Offer

Former Arizona Cardinal wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins apparently isn't feeling very wanted. According to ESPN's Dianna Russini, the five-time Pro Bowler is mulling over offers from the New New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans but is holding out hope other teams will show interest.

Video: “Hopkins is going over some of the offers from both of those teams, the Titans and the Patriots. He’s mulling over and trying to come out with a decision with what he wants to do, and I was told to be very patient here."pic.twitter.com/6dZboh0oJz
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 22, 2023

Hopkins has had visits with the Patriots and Titans in recent weeks but has yet to entertain serious inquiries from other teams. Evidently, he's willing to be patient and wait for the right fit to emerge.

Like many a star veteran before him, Hopkins finds himself the victim of a sudden and precipitous tumble in value around the league. Set to turn 31 years old before the beginning of the season, the three-time All-Pro simply isn't the player he was at the peak of his powers. He remains valuable when available: he averaged 67.8 receiving yards per game and 8.1 yards per target over 19 appearances from 2021 to 2022. Unfortunately, at his age, that isn't the type of production teams are falling over themselves to hand over big money for.

Complicating matters further is a belated and surprisingly significant deal signed by Odell Beckham. The former New York Giant and Los Angeles Ram proved patience (and obstinance) can pay off; after sitting out the entirety of the 2022 season following an ACL tear and a trio of middling seasons (51.1 yards per game and 7.3 yards per target), Beckham eventually landed a very respectable one-year, $15 million deal from the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason.

Only a few months separate Beckham and Hopkins in age. Hopkins is also a significantly more accomplished wide receiver, particularly of late: since 2020, Hopkins has compiled 2692 receiving yards to Beckham's 856.

Assuming Hopkins loves money more than playing, refusing to compromise his value could eventually land him a better deal. His market could radically shift at any moment; an injury to a star player or surprise holdout could be just around the corner. The only thing he has to lose from delaying signing is practice time and the opportunity to acclimate to his new surroundings.