The DeAndre Hopkins draft continues as the top free agent wide receiver searches for his next NFL team.
Hopkins said he’s looking for a strong organization with a good quarterback he can relate to heading into the postseason, but there’s a team that fits that bill that appears to be outside the Pro Bowler ranks.
The New York Jets have Aaron Rodgers under center after finalizing a successful trade with the Green Bay Packers, and the move projects them as a serious contender after missing the playoffs in the last 12 seasons.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh attends a press conference to introduce Aaron Rodgers as the new New York Jets quarterback at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on April 26, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Elsa/Getty Images)
But head coach Robert Saleh via a question about the possibility of Hopkins joining the team on the road on Wednesday.
«We love our current group,» Saleh said, via The New York Post, of the team’s receivers. «I know there were some things with Odell [Beckham Jr.]but other than that, we love our group.»
The Jets were in on Beckham’s lottery, but he ended up signing a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens to join Lamar Jackson.
DEANDRE HOPKINS’ NEW AGENT HAS NFL FANS PRO BOWL RECEIVER TO LAND IN NFC THIS
While there’s always a bit of cunning when it comes to keeping plans under wraps in professional sports, taking Saleh at face value seems legitimate when looking at the Jets’ receiving corps.
First, Garrett Wilson won Offensive Rookie of the Year last year despite the switch at quarterback between Zach Wilson, Mike White and Joe Flacco. He is expected to thrive with Rodgers calling the shots now.
DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a catch off David Long Jr. #22 of the Los Angeles Rams during a 27-17 victory at SoFi Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Harry How/Getty Images)
There’s also the addition of Allen Lazard, who knows Rodgers very well from his time in Green Bay. He signed with the Jets despite Rodgers’ deal not yet being finalized this offseason. Even Randall Cobb, Rodgers’ longtime target with the Packers, also went to One Jets Drive as a free agent.
General manager Joe Douglas also added MeCole Hardman, who is expected to be a deep ball threat as well as someone Rodgers can get the ball out of quickly for a big potential gain with his blistering speed. Add in veterans Corey Davis and Denzel Mims, and the Jets should like their chances with this position group.
CARDENALS UNHAPPY DEANDRE HOPKINS LOST GAMES AT END OF SEASON: REPORT
At the same time, Hopkins is a perennial No. 1 receiver in the NFL, so eliminating the possibility of bringing him in entirely would be poor practice. The Jets have the cap space to close a deal for Hopkins, as OverTheCap.com has them with about $24 million in surplus right now.
Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles are among the favorites to put the man they call «Nuk» on the field due to their status as some of the best teams in the NFL, especially when it comes to of his quarterback game. .
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 27-13. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
But the Jets seem pretty happy with the group they have in the building right now. Getting everyone on the same page under new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who Rodgers also played with in Green Bay, appears to be the top priority for the organization.