NFL Fans Are Already Calling Out One Team For Trying To Tank For Caleb Williams (TWEETS)

Let the annual claims about an NFL team already tanking ahead of the 2023 regular season begin.

On Friday afternoon, the Arizona Cardinals stunned many when they released five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from his contract. The 30-year-old was entering the final season of his deal and had been the subject of trade rumors leading up to his release.

The Cardinals finished 30th in the league standings last year with a 4-13 record. With starting quarterback Kyler Murray expected to miss several games recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last December, Arizona is a trendy pick to win the first overall pick next year.

With Arizona opting to release Hopkins, many NFL fans took to Twitter and accused the Cardinals of beginning the tank job.

Imagine trading your best player, DeAndre Hopkins, to tank so you could get another Wide Receiver! The Cardinals are the old Lions.. https://t.co/GT77DnwvGk

— a2z.grandprix (@GivemFitz_FF) May 26, 2023

Bidwill doesn't have to give Nuk anymore cash, the Cardinals initiate the tank, and it gives them more flexibility next year to move on from Modern Warfare if they want. https://t.co/xzu6IgrxwO

— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) May 26, 2023

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Next year there will only be 31 teams trying to win a championship.

Cardinals are in tank mode.

— Kropp (@KROPPTOP) May 26, 2023

The Cardinals are on the ⏰️ https://t.co/qq1TbW8SJU

— Frank Fleming (@NjTank99) May 26, 2023

Cardinals embracing the tank

— Anthony (@ZombiesIsBeast) May 26, 2023

I would like to personally congratulate the Arizona Cardinals for winning the 2023-2024 NFL tank bowl and drafting Cabel Williams.

— Quentin Morris (@QuentincMorris) May 26, 2023

Cardinals are in SUPER tank mode huh

— bodega sushi (@SebastianYJ) May 26, 2023

All-time tank job der Cardinals. #ranNFL https://t.co/qw8HjIJOC3

— AJ (@AirJani) May 26, 2023

Are the Cardinals going to pull off the double tank for Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr.?

The problem is Houston is going to be better than people think.

— Adam Rank (@adamrank) May 26, 2023

Have too applaud the Cardinals commitment to the tank here. https://t.co/y8f3ZPdpd2

— Dante Collinelli (@DanteCollinelli) May 26, 2023

Right now, USC quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams is the front-runner to go first overall in next year’s draft. If Arizona were to win the first overall pick, they’d have to decide between choosing Williams or keeping Murray.

The Cardinals also lost their top two edge rushers in Zach Allen (signed with the Denver Broncos) and J.J. Watt (retirement) this offseason, along with starting cornerback Byron Murphy (signed with the Minnesota Vikings).

Throw in Hopkins’ departure and Murray’s injury that will likely keep him sidelined, and you indeed have a team that has the best chance of earning the first overall pick next year.