The Carolina Panthers were never a perfect, nor the most likely destination for DeAndre Hopkins. Nonetheless, they may not be completely off the map just yet for the free-agent wideout.
On Tuesday morning’s episode of Keyshawn, JWill & Max, ESPN national correspondent Sal Paolantonio deemed the New England Patriots as the favorites to land Hopkins. He wouldn’t, however, count out a pair of other interested parties—including the Panthers.
“It’s a perfect fit at a time when they need a wide receiver that can get separation,” Paolantonio said of Hopkins and New England. “They need somebody like that. But you have to remember, I’m talking to Keyshawn Johnson here and he knows it: when you go to New England, you’re going to the Navy Seals. You’re going to a different kind of culture. DeAndre Hopkins has to understand that when he goes there, he’s going to have to fit in. They’re going to make sure that he fits in, but he’s going to have to fit in there with what they do. Carolina’s lurking, Cleveland is lurking for sure. But if I’m DeAndre Hopkins, do I want to go to Carolina with a rookie [quarterback]? Do I want to go to Cleveland? Or do I want to go to New England where I can be coached by Bill Belichick?”
Hopkins was released by the Arizona Cardinals back on May 26. The three-time First-team All-Pro, who was suspended for the first six games of the 2022 campaign after violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy, reeled in 64 passes for 717 yards and three touchdowns over nine outings this past season.
The Panthers are still without a true No. 1 receiver and the 31-year-old Clemson, S.C. native—depending on what he has left—could potentially fill that role for his hometown team.
