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DeAndre Hopkins
WR · FA

DeAndre Hopkins

Position WR
Team FA
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

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).

July 24 Patriots connection: Hopkins has been invited to Patriots training camp by head coach Mike Vrabel to work with the offensive coaches and personnel department. Vrabel and Hopkins have a lengthy history from their time together in Houston (2014-17) and briefly in Tennessee (2023). Hopkins is exploring coaching options as a fallback if playing opportunities don't materialize, and Vrabel indicated Hopkins would stay for several days around the coaching staff. This signals the Patriots are considering Hopkins as a potential veteran depth option at WR, though his primary activity is observing and mentoring (per Free-agent WR DeAndre Hopkins working with Patriots coaching staff at training camp).

July 31–August 3 coaching transition (door remains open): DeAndre Hopkins joined Georgia Tech's offensive coaching staff as a coaching hire, with a long-standing relationship with OC George Godsey (who coordinated for him in Houston and Baltimore). However, Hopkins clarified on August 3 that he has NOT retired from the NFL and is keeping himself available for a potential mid-season opportunity if a contender emerges needing WR depth. Hopkins worked with Patriots coaches in late July and is now balancing a coaching role with the possibility of returning to play. His career totals are 13,295 receiving yards and 85 touchdowns, ranking in the top 20 all-time in both categories (per After taking coaching job at Georgia Tech, DeAndre Hopkins says he isn't retired).

Role / Depth Chart

Third-down specialist / pass-heavy situation role. No current team affiliation as of June 25, 2026.

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Which contender will sign DeAndre Hopkins in 2026?
  • Will Hopkins get increased opportunities beyond third-down roles with his next team?

Sources

What the Experts Are Saying

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