DeAndre Hopkins has been one of the more consistent Wide Receivers in our game when he’s healthy. He’s been widely regarded as an elite playing the position. In Houston, he was considered to be the best at the time. I still remember his 2018 season when he caught 115 passes in the regular season without a single drop. Talk about serious concentration. In 2020, DeAndre was shockingly traded to the Arizona Cardinals. During his Arizona days, the Cardinals only made the playoffs once and he was sidelined often with injuries. This off-season, the Cardinals have been looking to trade the star receiver. What shocks me is that they couldn’t complete a trade. Instead, he’s been release. Let’s talk about some potential fits for him now that’s he’s on the market.
1. Buffalo Bills: At this moment, the Buffalo Bills are my favorite in the running for the veteran receiver. I say this because of the team’s status as a contender (for now) and the continuous need for a consistent threat alongside Stefon Diggs. Many thought Gabe Davis would be that second option, but he’s far too inconsistent and there’s no in between with him. Either he’s really good or he’s not. Plus, many fell in love with him after his big game in the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs in that epic divisional round playoff game a few years back. With Buffalo, DeAndre would have a big-armed Quarterback capable of capitalizing on his ability to make the big play down the field. However, how many more big plays does DeAndre have left in him? He did eclipse 1,000 yards receiving in six of his first eight seasons. He fell short in his last two seasons due to a suspension and health issues. A trio of Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs and DeAndre Hopkins would be scary. One thing to point out though: He’d have to prepare to play in the elements, especially in December and January which would be a strong factor. I think he would be that piece to put the Bills over the top in the AFC potentially.
2. Kansas City Chiefs: You may read this and say, “this is the rich getting richer”. I also present this question. Who wouldn’t want to play with the best Quarterback in the league at this moment who happens to be entering his prime in 2023? Yes, the Chiefs won the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons last year. Here’s another question to ask you. Outside of Travis Kelce, who else of these pass catchers that Patrick has scares you as a defense? Travis is a number one option, not a number one receiver and there is a difference between the two. After trading Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs had a number one Wide Receiver option by committee last season. Now, Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman are gone, and their receivers room consist of Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore. The Chiefs could use a receiver of DeAndre’s experience. He’d give Patrick the best Wide Receiver threat he’s had since Cheetah. Also, think of the coverage he would see because Travis should be commanding double teams, but sadly he doesn’t. DeAndre would give them an immediate number one on the depth chart. What an offense this would be.
3. Detroit Lions: Detroit is becoming a desirable destination in free agency. DeAndre would fit this roster seamlessly. With him, the receivers’ room would look like this: DeAndre Hopkins, Jameson Williams (After suspension), Amon-Ra St. Brown, Marvin Jones and Josh Reynolds. This group (minus DeAndre of course) still was productive with Jared Goff. The potential with DeAndre would put the Lions in the driver’s seat in the NFC North. Look at it this way. The Lions haven’t had a down the field threat at receiver since the days of Calvin Johnson. DeAndre would provide the Lions with an experienced target that can potentially guide what Lions fans will hope to be a run to the postseason. If Jared Goff can build off the season he had last year, this would be a golden pairing. Many years ago, this would be laughable. However, David Montgomery echoed my sentiments. Dan Campbell is a coach that players would run through a wall for.
4. Baltimore Ravens: I put them on here because of one man. Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr. When DeAndre was on an episode of the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast, he listed five Quarterbacks that he wanted to run routes for, and Lamar was included on that list. At this moment, the Ravens appear to be very stacked at the position. Odell, Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor and don’t forget Mark Andrews or Isaiah Likely playing Tight End. DeAndre could make the pass catching group feel a bit cramped but look at it like this, this isn’t just any veteran player on the market, this is a three-time first-team all-pro we’re talking about. The idea of playing with Lamar definitely grabs his interest. It appears the Ravens are attempting to open this offense up under new Offensive Coordinator, Todd Monken.
