Veteran Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins announced his intention to return next season via social media after losing Super Bowl LIX to the Philadelphia Eagles. Hopkins caught a touchdown pass in the defeat. The aging wideout is now scheduled to hit the open market this offseason.
Hopkins began the campaign with the Tennessee Titans but was dealt to the Chiefs at the trade deadline in exchange for a conditional fifth-round selection. Hopkins failed to make a sizable impact on the Chiefs. He never recorded 100 receiving yards in a single contest, totaling 44 receptions for 466 yards and five touchdowns in 14 appearances, playoffs included. That makes him unlikely to return to KC in 2025.
Hopkins will possess an interest in playing for a postseason contender next season. We’ve identified three potential landing spots.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders were the 2024 season's surprise performer, going from the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 draft to the NFC Championship Game. Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels completely transformed the organization in one season.
General manager Adam Peters needs to spend the offseason surrounding Daniels with more weapons. Terry McLaurin is a dominant WR1, but additional support is required. They’ll count on Ben Sinnott and Luke McCaffrey to take steps forward as sophomores, but having another reliable veteran wouldn’t hurt. Hopkins is a secondary option at this point in his career. He'd fit in nicely with Washington’s supporting cast.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are annual contenders, but continue to struggle to get past the Chiefs and Buffalo Bills in the postseason. Quarterback Lamar Jackson had another MVP-worthy season, though he lost out on the individual honor to Josh Allen. Continuing to add playmakers to the core of Jackson and Derrick Henry could help the Ravens get over the hump.
The Ravens tried to improve their pass-catching corps by acquiring Diontae Johnson midseason, but he ended up being a headache in the locker room. Nelson Agholor and Tylan Wallace also played out the 2024 campaign on expiring contracts. Hopkins would join Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman in three-receiver sets. Hopkins is also an outstanding run blocker. He's familiar with Henry, playing alongside him in Tennessee in 2023.
Houston Texans
Wouldn't a reunion between Hopkins and the Houston Texans be pretty cool? Hopkins played seven seasons for the Texans (2013-19), enjoying five 1,000-yard campaigns. The regime that forced him out of Houston, led by Bill O'Brien and Jack Easterby, is no longer present.
The Texans also need more playmaking weapons for franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud this offseason. Tank Dell is unfortunately recovering from another serious season-ending injury. Stefon Diggs and Robert Woods are slated for free agency and all parties involved would probably benefit from a change of scenery. John Metchie III hasn't proven productive enough to be the WR2 opposite superstar Nico Collins. Hopkins would have a legit role to play on a Texans team that wasn't satisfied with its offensive performances in 2024.
