Can the Carolina Panthers conceivably make a run at the recently released DeAndre Hopkins? Perhaps.
But you know we have to serve you with a realistic dose of skepticism, right?
Here are four reasons why the Panthers may not be in the hunt for Hopkins.
Too Young?
The Panthers have quite the catch in quarterback Bryce Young. But is he too young for Hopkins’ liking?
If his comments on the I Am Athlete podcast’s (very) recent episode of Paper Route are any indication, then the rookie may be a dealbreaker. The soon-to-be 31-year-old Hopkins told hosts Brandon Marshall and Ashley Nicole Moss that he’s “past” the point of playing with younger passers.
Not on the list
So if he doesn’t want a youngster, who does Hopkins want throwing to him? Well, he told us that, too.
The three-time All-Pro provided a list of five quarterbacks he’d want to team up with. His prolific preferences are Buffalo’s Josh Allen, Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Los Angeles’ Justin Herbert.
Is this thing stable?
Continuing down his wishlist, Hopkins also added that he wants to be a part of a stable organization. Being that he’s seen a handful of different general managers handle his business of late, he wants some assurance.
Unfortunately, we can’t say the Panthers are exactly 100 percent stable right now. They have an owner who’s still learning the steps, a brand new coaching staff and a general manager who could be on the hook if his push for Young somehow goes awry.
Super aspirations
All of what Hopkins provided, of course, culminates into the grand prize—a Super Bowl ring. And although the Panthers are on the upward swing and could be real contenders for an NFC South crown, they are long shots to raise the Lombardi Trophy this season.
Entering the other side of 30, Hopkins probably wants to use the rest of his best years as soon as possible. If the likes of Buffalo, Kansas City and Philadelphia are in the mix, then Carolina may be outmatched if they try to make a run at Hopkins.
