5 Teams That Should Sign Free Agent WR DeAndre Hopkins
By Hunter Haas
The wide receiver position is as star-studded as any in the NFL, and veteran DeAndre Hopkins is still one of the most talented. The Arizona Cardinals recently released the 31-year-old, freeing him up to sign with any franchise on the open market.
5 Teams That Should Sign Free Agent WR DeAndre Hopkins
Rumors have been flying around at a breakneck pace regarding potential fits and realistic destinations for the five-time All-Pro. While he would be a great addition to any team, here are the five most likely options for Hopkins in free agency.
DeAndre Hopkins Destination No. 1: Kansas City Chiefs
When the talk of a “wishlist” hit the airwaves, one team immediately came to mind: the Chiefs. Now, the reigning champions lack the elite defense part of the equation, but I have to imagine Patrick Mahomes at quarterback is quite the equalizer.
Kansas City has a track record of success, evident by the two Super Bowl rings it brings to the table during negotiations. Armed with Andy Reid as his play caller, Hopkins can revive his career by leading the high-powered offense to another championship in 2023.
DeAndre Hopkins Destination No. 2: Buffalo Bills
The Bills check off front-office stability and a star quarterback — two of the three main criteria — according to reports. With the return of Von Miller, the signing of Leonard Floyd, and a few more additions through the draft, the hope in Buffalo is the defense transcends to elite status.
Scoring points isn’t an issue for the Bills in a vacuum, but they’ve struggled to get over the postseason hump in recent years. Perhaps signing a premier talent like Hopkins can push the offense so far ahead of the pack that Josh Allen and Co. run away with the AFC.
DeAndre Hopkins Destination No. 3: Tennessee Titans
The biggest wildcard on this list, at least in my mind, is the Titans. Surprisingly, Hopkins’ first free agent visit will be to Nashville. After an offseason that pointed more toward a step back in 2023, the front office is willing to make a splash to add talent to a depleted wide receiver room.
The addition of Hopkins won’t make Tennessee a Super Bowl contender alone, but it could get them back on top of the AFC South. Maybe rookie quarterback Will Levis takes control of the offense, and his dominant physical traits translate to immediate success. The best chance for this outcome is surrounding him with as much talent as possible.
DeAndre Hopkins Destination No. 4: Detroit Lions
The Lions were hoping to get an entire season out of the fully-healthy Jameson Williams, but the NFL handed out a six-game suspension due to gambling violations. The depth chart still has Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the way, but the depth took a major hit when D.J. Chark signed in Carolina this offseason.
A quick fix could happen in the form of Hopkins. Not only can he remain on the field when Williams returns, but he can also hold the fort down during the suspension. This trio of Hopkins-St. Brown-Williams should take Detroit to the top of the NFC North, and who knows, maybe the top of the conference altogether.
DeAndre Hopkins Destination No. 5: Cleveland Browns
Another curveball of sorts rounds out the list as the Browns could swoop in to reunite Hopkins with quarterback Deshaun Watson. The two combined to terrorize the league together in Houston, and general manager Andrew Berry has the resources and track record to pull the trigger on another blockbuster acquisition.
Cleveland already has Amari Cooper under contract, plus the trade earlier this offseason brought Elijah Moore into the fold. Donovan Peoples-Jones provided serviceable play in 2022, and recent third-round pick Cedric Tillman shows plenty of promise, but neither guy justifies passing on an All-Pro talent like Hopkins. Especially if it makes their lofty investment at quarterback happy.