In a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals announced on Friday that they are parting ways with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Despite having a productive three seasons with the Cardinals, racking up 221 receptions for 2,696 yards and 17 touchdowns over 35 games, Hopkins has now become a free agent, as per the report from NFL.com.

This sudden development follows speculation by The Athletic published just an hour before the news broke, which hinted at Hopkins' desire for a change. The report hinted at Hopkins' frustration with the Cardinals and his desire to work with a more consistent quarterback, leading to much speculation about his future in Arizona.

Interestingly, the wide receiver recently omitted Cardinals QB Kyler Murray from his wish-list of quarterbacks he'd like to play with, a list that included the likes of Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Lamar Jackson.

The release of Hopkins appears to fit with the Cardinals' apparent strategy for the 2023 season, which seems increasingly to rebuild and reposition under new Head Coach Jonathan Gannon, and new General Manager Monti Ossenfort.  Vegas had grown increasingly pessimistic in its outlook for the Cardinals before the Hopkins news; this release seems to confirm the notion that the Cardinals do not expect to be highly competitive this year.

Before Hopkins' release, Vegas had already adjusted the Cardinals' Super Bowl odds from an opening of 100/1 to 200/1, according to a consensus of seven sportsbooks from Pregame.com. In the wake of the breaking news, the odds have now plummeted to 300/1, the worst in the NFL. Furthermore, the Over/Under win total for the Cardinals remains at 4.5, with increased juice on the under at -125, suggesting the likelihood of a less-than-successful season.

When the NFL Season Win Total market opened in late March, the Cardinals were expected to win Over/Under 5.5 games, meaning Vegas has downgraded Arizona more than 1-win over the course of the spring.

Week 1's betting line for the Cardinals' match against the Washington Commanders remained unaffected at Arizona +6 @ Washington.  After the news of Hopkins being released, DraftKings Sportsbook, the last team to have a Washington -5.5 available, moved in line with the rest of the market making the Commanders 6-point favorites.

This news not only affects the Arizona Cardinals but also has ripple effects throughout the league, altering team strategies and impacting betting markets. As for Hopkins, the five-time Pro Bowl wideout is now looking for a new home, and it will be intriguing to see where he ends up in the coming days.

BetOnline.ag has offered a special market allowing bettors to wager on Hopkins’ next team.  The Dallas Cowboys currently lead the pack as favorites with odds at +200, closely trailed by the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, listed at +400.

DeAndre Hopkins Next Team?

Dallas Cowboys                +200     

Kansas City Chiefs             +400     

New England Patriots      +500     

Buffalo Bills                         +600     

Philadelphia Eagles          +700     

Baltimore Ravens             +800     

New York Giants                +900     

Chicago Bears                    +1200  

New York Jets                     +1400  

Cleveland Browns            +1600  

Jacksonville Jaguars         +1800  

Green Bay Packers            +2000  

Los Angeles Chargers      +2000  

Las Vegas Raiders             +2500  

Tampa Bay Buccaneers   +2500  

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