Before training camp, current circumstances around Terrion Arnold may put the Detroit Lions in the market for a cornerback. The list of options is not long at this point in the offseason, and there's a lot to be determined with Arnold's situation, but such as any roster addition will be made, cornerback is top of mind regarding the Lions right now.
Of course circumstances in training camp or preseason games, with injuries atop that list of possibilities, can change an equation quickly. A depth chart that looks fine at a given position right now may not look the same when the season is closer.
If things get to a certain point with any position group, all bets will be off even if something doesn't make much (or any) sense right now.
Seemingly with that in mind, Logan Ulrich of NFL Trade Rumors has put the Lions on a list of top free agent fits for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
"After losing fifth-round WR Kendrick Law to a torn ACL in OTAs, the Lions responded by signing four wide receivers to the roster in the month of June. That is the action of a team that's concerned about its depth at receiver. The top of the depth chart is locked with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, and the Lions paid a premium to get Isaac TeSlaa, who will be expected to seize the No. 3 role.
"After that, it's pretty wide open though. NFL journeymen Greg Dortch and Cedrick Wilson will competing against a battery of former UDFAs for the final spots on the depth chart. Hopkins is a potential upgrade on that duo and Lions QB Jared Goff is the type of proven passer he has shown he wants to play for."
A scenario that would DeAndre Hopkins to Detroit should not be spoken of
During a recent appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Hopkins talked openly about his situation and priorities.
"I still got a lot ball left," Hopkins said. "But it's not a situation I'm sitting here trying to force or go out and be the regular-season superstar because that's for the young guys, man. That's for the people that they want to develop and give those contracts for the future."
"I know in my position, I'm a utility guy. I'm a special situation kind of guy. I can go out there and beat anybody one on one at any time, but as of lately, I've been a third-down guy. I wasn't used in the red zone last year. But (on) third down, they're gonna put D-Hop in, they're gonna come to me. I don't think that'll change anytime soon."
"Going into Year 14, I would love to play for a competitor if that time came," Hopkins said, "but I'm not in no rush to go out and be a regular-season superstar because for me, I'm not getting a contract extension."
READ MORE: Why the Lions might be the most interesting team headed into this season
Back in March, Hopkins openly declared his desire to reunite with quarterback Kyler Murray should the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in need of a veteran wide receiver. That shipped surely sailed when they signed Jauan Jennings, but Ulrich still has the Vikings on his list of fits for Hopkins.
Hopkins has also said Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is someone he'd enjoy playing with. As expected at this point, he doesn't seem to be in a big hurry to sign with any team. He may be willing to wait until into training camp, or perhaps even into the season, to find his ideal landing spot.
Hopkins has an easily forecasted desire to play for a contender, and he knows what his place in the pecking order for targets would be in an offense like Detroit's. But barring an injury scenario that should not be engaged with by offering specifics, that's where the fit between he and the Lions basically ends.
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