NFL Rumors: Buffalo Bills Favorite to Land WR DeAndre Hopkins

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins may soon join one of his most famous victims. According to KPRC's Aaron Wilson, the Buffalo Bills have emerged as the favorite to land the three-time All-Pro.

#Cardinals DeAndre Hopkins' trade market headlined by #Bills, per NFL sources. Five-time Pro Bowl selection has plenty of interest on trade market, but financial expectations might impact any further interest from #Chiefs #Ravens not among bidders, per sources.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 23, 2023

The Bills were famously on the losing side of perhaps the greatest catch of Hopkins' career, a 43-yard score off a Kyler Murray hail-mary as time expired in a late-season 2020 matchup. Hopkins outwrestled multiple defenders to snag the improbable game-winner, delivering the Bills their third and final loss of the season.

Hopkins has a not-insignificant $19.45 million coming to him in 2023 salary, limiting his viability as a trade candidate for several teams. Still, the Bills should be able to sneak him under their cap if they want to. Whether he's worth it is the more important question. Hopkins is more name than game at this point. Injuries and suspensions have cost him 15 games over the past two years. Even when available, his productivity has declined: he has averaged 67.8 receiving yards per game and 8.1 yards per target since 2021.

Hopkins would be a big, headline-grabbing splash for a contending team, but as he approaches his 31st birthday, it's uncertain if he can be a real asset to a team with his contract as it is. An extension that decreases his cap numbers over the next two years and better reflects his current ability may be necessary to get a deal done.