Cowboys Rumors: Conflicting reports emerge on Dallas' interest in DeAndre Hopkins

The Dallas Cowboys aren't crying out for a receiver, but the position group has real question marks behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. Michael Gallup is better served as a No. 3 than a secondary option, but the jury is out on how he'll perform in 2023 after he struggled last year following ACL surgery.

Similarly to two months ago, the Cowboys have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for DeAndre Hopkins, who was surprisingly released after the Cardinals couldn't find a trade partner, presumably because of his contract.

Hopkins is now free to sign with any team, which opens the door for contenders and bottom-feeders alike to pursue the three-time All-Pro.

If Hopkins signs with the highest bidder, Dallas will likely lose out to a more desperate team. That is, if they're even chasing him. With the Hopkins sweepstakes heating up, conflicting reports have emerged about the team's interest and pursuit of the coveted WR.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler mentioned the Cowboys in the second tier of teams -- behind the Bills and Chiefs -- interested in Hopkins.

Should the Cowboys sign free agent WR DeAndre Hopkins?

In a recent article, Fowler listed the Cowboys as one of the best fits for Hopkins and a team that can afford to pay the 30-year-old.

"Dallas has several receivers already, so this doesn't feel like a slam dunk to get involved, but at the right price I could see the Cowboys having interest. With CeeDee Lamb as the No. 1 and Brandin Cooks as the vertical threat, Hopkins can be the isolation matchup receiver with elite ball skills for Dak Prescott. He can play in the slot or on the outside in that offense. The Cowboys have around $9 million in cap space, which is middle-of-the-pack in the league. There is not a ton of space, but it's enough to make something happen here."

- Jeremy Fowler

That sums it up perfectly.

The Cowboys seemingly weren't interested in trading for Hopkins, which resulted in Hopkins snubbing Dak Prescott from his list of QBs he'd like to play with. We're not sold Hopkins is out on Dallas as a potential fit. He spent time with Dez Bryant this offseason and actively tried to get the team to trade for him.

Unfortunately, though, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News threw a wet blanket on the Hopkins-Cowboys buzz over the weekend. Gehlken mentioned CeeDee Lamb's next contract and the fact Lamb, Cooks Gallup (nor Hopkins) contribute on special teams (?), which would make for a wonky game-day roster.

Those are pretty lame excuses if we're being honest.

Lamb's extension should take priority, but his fifth-year option doesn't come into play until next season. Further any extension signed this offseason wouldn't kick in until 2024 at the earliest. Signing Hopkins to a one-year deal would have a minimal impact (if any) on Lamb's negotiations.

While Fowler does fantastic work for ESPN, Gehlken has a nearly .1000 batting average on the Cowboys beat. As much as we'd love Hopkins in Dallas, we have to defer to Gehlken and assume it's a long shot at best.

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