Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been a godsend for the Kansas City Chiefs, but the three-time All-Pro might not return after the season. Originally acquired via a trade with the Tennessee Titans, Hopkins has been arguably Kansas City’s most reliable receiver since joining the club. During his 10 games with the organization, the wide receiver has recorded 41 receptions for 437 yards and four touchdowns on 59 targets. While he’s not the same player he was in the late 2010s, this stretch with Patrick Mahomes proves he still has something left in his tank.
Ironically, this impressive stretch of play may have priced him out of Kansas City. The wide receiver market is exploding, and the Chiefs will struggle to pay DeAndre Hopkins top dollar. The team has just $11.5 million in projected cap space and will likely use that money to retain younger free agents like Trey Smith and Nick Bolton. Hopkins won’t get Tee Higgins or Chris Godwin money, but he’s arguably the third-best free agent wide receiver.
Playing for a contender like the Chiefs has its perks, but history indicates DeAndre Hopkins will sign with the highest bidder. After the Cardinals cut him in 2023, Hopkins chose to sign a more expensive contract with the Titans instead of taking a lesser deal to play for a legitimate contender in the Chiefs or Buffalo Bills. If Kansas City can’t afford to bring him back, don’t be surprised to see him land with the New Orleans Saints or Baltimore Ravens.
Saints, Ravens Could Sign DeAndre Hopkins After Chiefs Departure
On paper, the New Orleans Saints do not have the financial flexibility to steal DeAndre Hopkins from the Chiefs. Currently $52.3 million over the projected salary cap, General Manager Mickey Loomis will restructure deal after deal to reach cap compliance. Once that happens, don’t be surprised if he aggressively targets the wide receiver position and looks for more stability for Derek Carr.
Wide receiver Chris Olave is a great player when healthy, but the former first-round pick suffered two concussions last season. While he was healthy enough to return to practice at the end of the season, New Orleans must accept that head injuries don’t always stay away. Olave is unhappy in New Orleans, and the Saints could trade the disgruntled veteran for a high return. Loomis will never rebuild, so signing Hopkins could keep the offense afloat regardless of whether Olave suits up for the Saints in 2025.
Ravens Receiver Woes
The Baltimore Ravens tried to upgrade the wide receiver room when they acquired Diontae Johnson at the trade deadline. Unfortunately, that plan blew up in their face when the disgruntled wideout refused to accept a reduced role. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are a promising duo, but this team could use a veteran like DeAndre Hopkins on the outside.
Hopkins is at his best when lined up wide and fighting for contested passes. Baltimore doesn’t have a player like him on the roster, and his presence could round out the entire depth chart. While Baltimore doesn’t use three-receiver sets often, they could revamp their offensive philosophy if they have three receivers with unique skillsets. As a bonus, the Ravens should relish the opportunity to steal DeAndre Hopkins from a Chiefs team that will compete for Super Bowls for years to come.
Main Photo: Denny Medley – USA Today Sports
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