"Signing Hopkins would turn their first-day draft focus to QB, center and linebacker. " Linebacker??? That's the first I've heard this....
Out of curiosity...if a player is released by their team (ie Mawae) does that player still have to wait for Free Agency to begin to sign with another team? Technically he isn't the "property" (sorry couldn't think of a better word) of a team anymore as opposed to someone whose contract is going to run out.
Funny that was the same exact point where my eyebrows went up... Linebacker? This might be another case of an author blowing smoke up our butts, writing just for the sake of writing.
If they are released, they have to wait for FA. If they are waived, teams have a right to pick up the player. I'm not sure, but I think that is how it works.
If they are released they are immediately available to sign anywhere they want. Ex. Glover Rams They do not have to wait. Being waived is similar to being released except it applies to players with less than 4 years NFL experience.