DeAndre Hopkins
NFL player. Position: WR. Status: Free Agent.
Quick Facts
- Position: WR
- Status: Free Agent (2026 offseason)
- Career highlights: 5× Pro Bowler, 3× All-Pro selection
2026 Outlook
DeAndre Hopkins remains available on the free-agent market and has publicly stated he'd like to join a contender in 2026. After a disappointing 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens (22 receptions, 330 yards, 2 TDs), Hopkins views himself as a utility/third-down specialist capable of providing immediate impact to a team needing WR depth. He's willing to accept a limited role focusing on third-down situations and pass-heavy matchups rather than demanding heavy red-zone usage (per DeAndre Hopkins won't 'force' himself onto a team, still hopes to join contender).
July 2 matchmaker options: CBS Sports free agent analysis identifies multiple contender fits for Hopkins, who has expressed desire to "play for a contender this season." Top options include Buffalo Bills (most needy for WR help among true contenders), Cincinnati Bengals (could complement Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in a pass-heavy attack), and Denver Broncos (pairing alongside Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton under Sean Payton's system). If none of these tier-1 contenders materialize, Hopkins may need to consider non-contender options like the Dolphins or Raiders if he wants to remain active in 2026 (per Playing matchmaker for remaining key NFL free agents: Several receivers still in search of new team - CBS Sports).
July 5 CBS projection: Buffalo Bills named as CBS's top projected landing spot for Hopkins, given their need for WR help among true contenders despite missing on Amari Cooper two years ago. At age 34, Hopkins views himself as a utility/third-down piece and doesn't expect to be a featured player (per CBS makes signing projection for DeAndre Hopkins to NFL contender).
July 7 Eagles interest: Following A.J. Brown's trade to the Patriots, the Philadelphia Eagles emerged as a potential landing spot for Hopkins as they seek to fill the void left by Brown's departure. With Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, and Elijah Moore now filling WR2/slot roles, Hopkins could provide "strong value on third downs and in the red zone for a true Super Bowl contender," though "obviously not at the same level of impact as Brown at this stage of his career." At 34 years old with declining production over the past five seasons (only one 1,000-yard season since 2020; 940 combined yards over the last two years with Titans/Chiefs/Ravens), Hopkins represents depth insurance rather than a cornerstone receiver (per Eagles Tipped To Fill Void Left By A.J. Brown's Trade To Patriots By Signing 85-TD All-Pro WR).
Role / Depth Chart
Third-down specialist / pass-heavy situation role. No current team affiliation as of June 25, 2026.
Recent News
- 2026-03-04 — Five Best Landing Spots For A.J. Brown in 2026 Include Bills, Patriots (Five Best Landing Spots For A.J. Brown in 2026 Include Bills, Patriots)
- 2026-03-05 — Ravens and Patriots are teams with most interest in trading for A.J. Brown (Ravens and Patriots are teams with most interest in trading for A.J. Brown)
- 2026-05-15 — How to watch 2026 NFL schedule reveal: Full slates for all 32 teams to be announced (How to watch 2026 NFL schedule reveal: Full slates for all 32 teams to be announced)
- 2026-02-23 — 2026 NFL free agency: Best players available on offense (2026 NFL free agency: Best players available on offense)
- 2026-05-22 — Tyreek Hill Free Agency Rumors: The Latest (Tyreek Hill Free Agency Rumors: The Latest)
- 2026-07-02 — Playing matchmaker for remaining key NFL free agents: Several receivers still in... (Playing matchmaker for remaining key NFL free agents: Several receivers still in...)
- 2026-03-08 — 2026 NFL free agency primer: Start date, time, projected free agents, top needs, cap... (2026 NFL free agency primer: Start date, time, projected free agents, top needs, cap...)
- 2026-05-23 — The 1 Move Every NFL Team Still Needs to Make in 2026 Offseason (The 1 Move Every NFL Team Still Needs to Make in 2026 Offseason)
- 2026-07-05 — CBS makes signing projection for DeAndre Hopkins to NFL contender (CBS makes signing projection for DeAndre Hopkins to NFL contender)
- 2026-06-25 — DeAndre Hopkins won't 'force' himself onto a team, still hopes to join contender (DeAndre Hopkins won't 'force' himself onto a team, still hopes to join contender)
Open Questions
- Which contender will sign DeAndre Hopkins in 2026?
- Will Hopkins get increased opportunities beyond third-down roles with his next team?