Throughout his career, star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has represented himself without the help of an agent. But as he suddenly enters free agency after the Arizona Cardinals released him last week, he’s making a change in that regard.
As reported by league insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, DeAndre Hopkins has hired an agent to help him navigate the free agency process.
“Former #AZCardinals star WR DeAndre Hopkins has hired agent Kelton Crenshaw of @KlutchSports to represent him in free agency, source says. Hopkins had previously represented himself before signing with Crenshaw, who also reps Chase Young, Kayvon Thibodeaux and DeVonta Smith,” Rapoport said in a tweet.
Former #AZCardinals star WR DeAndre Hopkins has hired agent Kelton Crenshaw of @KlutchSports to represent him in free agency, source says. Hopkins had previously represented himself before signing with Crenshaw, who also reps Chase Young, Kayvon Thibodeaux and DeVonta Smith.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 30, 2023
Obviously, this is a big move for Hopkins after he represented himself without an agent previously. It indicates that this free agency period is a little more unique for the veteran receiver.
The NFL world had plenty to say about the move from Hopkins on Twitter.
This just tells me his market isn’t as robust as he thought it was going to be.
— Nelson (@BelgerNelson) May 30, 2023
Kelton is a Cleveland native who remains based in Cleveland 👀👀 https://t.co/hHUIE39RFv
— Jordan Zirm (@JordanZirm) May 30, 2023
Cut the Middle Man DHop & come to Detroit. We know everybody else is BROKE and can't afford your services.
Lions in free agency: https://t.co/uwdTxizWbL pic.twitter.com/jjFVtXPNGb
— 🦁 Brad Villain Holmes Honolulu Blue Kool-aid 🦁 (@DumasMike) May 31, 2023
This is significant.
This will make it easier on everyone involved to get a deal done. https://t.co/WvAk57goKN
— Bills Chat Podcast (@BillsChatPod) May 30, 2023
I'd be pretty surprised if Hopkins ended up in KC… Seems like he is going to get one more decent pay day and there will be several teams vying for him. Someone will give up the bag for him: Detroit or Green Bay make sense.. https://t.co/bZG2qiEd9L
— Price Carter (@priceacarter) May 30, 2023
By being released so late in the free agency cycle, Hopkins does face a slightly difficult situation as many teams have already allocated their salary cap space and don’t have room to sign more players, especially one of Hopkins’ caliber and expected compensation.
Hopkins will certainly find an NFL team by the start of the 2023 season, it’s just a matter of where it’s going to be and how much he’ll be paid.
