The Arizona Cardinals have released wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins after failing to find a trade partner.
The team has announced as much via their official website, bringing an end to a months-long saga many thought would have been completed before the NFL Draft.
The development comes on the back of a report from Jordan Schultz of TheScore, who was adamant that the Cardinals were looking to sever ties with the wideout as they were keen on overhauling their roster following their dismal 4-13 season.
Given that the player had a no-trade clause in his deal, Hopkins would have had the edge in any negotiations. But the fact that he was hit with a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy rendered said clause null and void, leaving the Cards free to deal him wherever they wanted.
DeAndre Hopkins Lashed Out At The Cardinals This Week
Hopkins, 30, appeared to slam the team as he hinted he was at odds with both management and star quarterback Kyler Murray just this week.
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“What I want is stable management upstairs, that’s something I haven’t really had the past couple years of my career coming from Houston and then to Arizona,” he said. “A QB who loves the game, a QB who brings everybody on board with him, not just himself but everybody around him … and a great defense. A great defense wins championships.”
While he never actually expressed a desire to leave, he never said that he wanted to stay either.
This latest move renders the pass-catcher a free agent, so it will be interesting to see where he ends up next.
