Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Insider says two AFC powerhouses in 'arms race' for DeAndre Hopkins

ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said Monday that the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs are in an "arms race" for free agent DeAndre Hopkins. The star wide receiver was released by the Arizona Cardinals on May 26.

During an appearance on "Keyshawn, JWill & Max," Fowler said he would put "his money" on the five-time Pro Bowler suiting up with Josh Allen and company in Buffalo or Patrick Mahomes and crew in Kansas City during the 2023 campaign. 

Fowler did add, however, that he doesn't sense that the Chiefs are "overly desperate to (sign Hopkins)," as they feel former first-round pick Kadarius Toney can be the "No. 1 type receiver" they're looking for this season.

Fowler also named the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets as "sleepers" in the pursuit of Hopkins.

During the May 22 episode of the "I Am Athlete" podcast, "Nuk" spent time praising the likes of Allen and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Hopkins played in a career-low nine games last season, mostly due to his six-game PED suspension. Hopkins was still productive, collecting 64 receptions for 717 yards and three touchdowns while posting a solid 66.7% catch percentage.

The 30-year-old still finished first among all Cardinals players in receiving yards and finished second in catches and targets, just behind Marquise Brown in both categories.

Aside from Toney, Kansas City has Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore as projected starters on their depth chart, along with All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. Buffalo has stud wideout Stefon Diggs, as well as Gabe Davis and Khalil Shakir as their projected starting wide receivers.

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