GLENDALE – In a candid conversation with TMZ Sports, former Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins mentioned that he would love to play with now-former Cardinals QB Kyler Murray after his release and signing with the Vikings.

Sep 27, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona quarterback Murray (1) celebrates a rushing touchdown with Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Hopkins (10) against the Detroit Lions during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

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Some comments echo louder than intended. Hopkins saying he’d “love” to reunite with Kyler Murray, just not in Arizona, lands like a reopened wound for Cards fans. Because this isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about proof of concept.

With an incredible start to the 2021 NFL season with a 10–2 record, Arizona wasn’t fluky. With Hopkins drawing double coverage and Murray extending plays, the Cards ranked among the league’s most efficient passing attacks. The connection was precise, improvisational, and, most importantly, scalable. It worked against contenders, not just weak schedules. Then came the unraveling. Injuries to Hopkins and along the offensive line didn’t just slow the offense; they fundamentally altered its identity. Murray’s time to throw dropped, explosive plays disappeared, and Arizona limped into the postseason without the traits that made them dangerous.

Sep 12, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Arizona quarterback Murray (1) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Hopkins (10) against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

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That context is why Hopkins’ Minnesota comments cut deeper. This isn’t a veteran chasing comfort, it’s a star identifying unfinished business. Pairing that chemistry with a stable roster and offensive infrastructure raises a compelling question: was Arizona’s window smaller than it should have been, or simply mishandled? For Arizona fans, the emotional math is brutal. Watching a potential reunion succeed elsewhere wouldn’t just sting; it would validate years of “what if.” Elite chemistry in the NFL is rare, but fragile. Arizona found it, lost it, and hasn’t fully replaced it. This isn’t about where Hopkins lands, it’s about what his words reveal. Sometimes the most painful rebuild isn’t about starting over, but knowing you were already close enough.

Arizona quarterback Murray (1) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Hopkins (10) against Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) in the first half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 24, 2021.

Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen