The DeAndre Hopkins sweepstakes continues as the search for the top free agent wide receiver for his next NFL team continues.
Hopkins said he’s looking for a solid organization with a good quarterback he can gel with for the postseason, but there’s a team that fits the bill that seems out at Pro Bowler.
The New York Jets have Aaron Rodgers after finalizing a blockbuster trade with the Green Bay Packers, and the move projects them to be a serious contender after not making the playoffs the last 12 seasons.
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New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh attends a press conference to introduce Aaron Rodgers as the new quarterback for the New York Jets at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on April 26, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Elsa/Getty Images)
But head coach Robert Saleh through a question about Hopkins possibly joining the team on Wednesday.
“We love our current group,” Saleh said, via the New York Post, about the team’s receivers. “I know there was something similar with Odell [Beckham Jr.]But other than that, we love our group.”
The Jets had Beckham in the sweepstakes, but he signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens to join Lamar Jackson.
DeAndre Hopkins’ new agent has NFL fans guessing the Pro Bowl receiver will land in the NFC East
While there’s always some gamesmanship when it comes to keeping plans under wraps in professional sports, given the Jets’ receiving corps it seems reasonable to take Saleh at his word.
First, Garrett Wilson won Offensive Rookie of the Year last year despite being in flux at the quarterback position between Zach Wilson, Mike White and Joe Flacco. He is expected to thrive with Rodgers calling the shots on offense now.
DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a catch in front of David Long Jr. #22 of the Los Angeles Rams during a 27-17 win at Sophie Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Harry Howe/Getty Images)
There’s also the addition of Allen Lazard, who knows Rodgers well from his time in Green Bay. He signed with the Jets this offseason despite the Rodgers deal not yet going through. Even Randall Cobb, Rodgers’ longtime target with the Packers, went on one Jets drive as a free agent.
GM Joe Douglas also added Meacol Hardman, who is expected to be a deep ball threat as well as someone Rodgers can get off the ball early for a potential big gain with his blistering speed. Add in veterans Corey Davis and Denzel Mims, and the Jets should like their chances with this position group.
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At the same time, Hopkins is a perennial No. 1 receiver in the NFL, so it would be a mistake to completely wash away the opportunity to bring him in. The Jets have cap room to make a deal for Hopkins, as OverTheCap.com currently has about a $24 million surplus.
Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles are favorites to land that guy on the gridiron due to their status as some of the top teams in the NFL, especially when it comes to their quarterback play. What they call “the nook”. .
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins #10 during an NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots beat the Cardinals 27-13. (Christian Peterson/Getty Images)
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But the Jets seem pretty content with the group in the building right now. Getting everyone on the same page under new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who Rodgers also played under in Green Bay, appears to be a top priority for the organization.
