Beat reporter addresses Jets possibly pursuing DeAndre Hopkins

Beat reporter Brian Costello of the New York Post believes the New York Jets aren't a realistic landing spot for former Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

"The Jets clearly felt they need more at receiver, which is why they pursued (Odell Beckham Jr.), but I’m not sure Hopkins makes sense for them," Costello wrote for a piece published Wednesday. ..."(2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year) Garrett Wilson is the No. 1 receiver on the Jets and the team has to do everything they can to foster that. Wilson should have a monster year with the arrival of (quarterback Aaron Rodgers) for his second season. Is Hopkins going to be willing to accept a complementary role after years of being the man?" 

Costello added he thinks the Jets want more of a "speedster" able to "stretch the field and create some openings for Wilson and Allen Lazard underneath." Beckham fits that description more so than Hopkins. 

The Jets were routinely linked in offseason stories and rumors with Beckham after it was reported that the three-time Pro Bowl selection was among players on a "wish list of free agents" Rodgers wanted before he officially joined Gang Green from the Green Bay Packers earlier this spring. However, Beckham ultimately signed a one-year, $15M contract with the Baltimore Ravens. 

Arizona released Hopkins, a three-time All-Pro, last week. 

"It is unclear what Hopkins is looking for, but it’s probably going to be more than what the Jets are willing to pay," Costello continued. "That is what happened with Beckham when the Ravens came along with $15M. The Jets still have to figure out a reworked contract with Rodgers and are going to need cash and cap space to do so. Hopkins feels like he may be too costly for the Jets right now." 

Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke with reporters Wednesday and addressed the club possibly pursuing Hopkins.

"No, we love our current [wide receiver] group," Saleh remarked, per Andy Vasquez of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "I know there was some stuff with Odell, but other than that we love our group." 

Also on Wednesday, NFL reporter Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post named the Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills as possible destinations for Hopkins. Saleh and company may dislike the idea of Hopkins joining a fellow AFC contender, but it sounds like the Jets won't be calling the veteran receiver who turns 31 years old on June 6.