NFL Linebacker Von Miller, left, and Baltimore Ravens Extensive Receiver DeAndre Hopkins on the pink carpet on the Barnstable Brown Get together Friday night time. Might 01, 2026.
Earlier than the Minnesota Vikings signed Jauan Jennings in free company, some media and followers speculated that DeAndre Hopkins may be part of the membership because the WR3 or WR4 in 2026, as Hopkins even endorsed the connection because of his connection to new Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray. After the Jennings deal, although, Hopkins-to-Minnesota theories died off, and he stays a free agent.
Now, courtesy of CBS Sports activities, the thought is again.
Hopkins’ Connection to Murray Retains the Vikings Rumor Respiration
Arizona Cardinals huge receiver DeAndre Hopkins reacts after a play towards the Los Angeles Rams, bringing his ordinary sideline depth to an NFC West matchup on Dec. 13, 2021, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, because the Cardinals labored via a prime-time divisional check with main playoff implications. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports activities.
CBS Sports activities: Vikings a Touchdown Spot for Hopkins
Brad Crawford wrote final week, “The Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs are three potential fits for Hopkins, all of which have been discussed by the former first-round pick at some point this offseason. Joe Burrow is one quarterback Hopkins said he would enjoy playing with during an interview with Sports Illustrated.”
“In Minnesota, Hopkins would reunite with former Arizona Cardinals teammate Kyler Murray. The pair played three seasons together from 2020-22, hooking up 17 times for touchdowns over that stretch.”
It’s price noting that Hopkins already performed for the Chiefs in 2024. That vacation spot would supply a reunion.
The Quote in March
Questioned by TMZ in March concerning the Vikings as a touchdown spot for his 2026 free company, Hopkins stated, “Kyler — that’s my boy, man. Kyler is like family. I talked to Kyler throughout the year last year. I talked to Kyler after, you know, his situation in Arizona. Kyler’s like family, man.”
“I would always, you know, embrace that journey with him. He’s on a one-year deal? Whatever I can do for what someone like that — if Kyler need me he know I’m there, if the Vikings need me they know I’ll be there.”
From that second, Vikings followers thought-about Hopkins a WR3 repair — till Jennings signed on the group’s dotted line.
Hopkins’s Manufacturing — As of Late and in His Profession
Let’s get this out of the way in which: the Vikings wouldn’t be onboarding prime Hopkins or something near it. In actual fact, most would argue that he’s wholly washed as a WR1 and WR2. He may, although, fill the WR4 function, particularly contemplating his profession rapport with Murray and the notion that he wished to play for the Vikings as not too long ago because the spring.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis reacts after connecting with DeAndre Hopkins for a first-quarter landing towards the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 29, 2023, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, as Hopkins delivered one of many early signature moments of Levis’ rookie-season emergence and gave Tennessee’s offense a wanted spark at house. Obligatory Credit score: USA TODAY NETWORK.
Right here’s his profession resume:
2025 — BAL: 22 Rec | 330 Yds | 2 TDs2024 — KC/TEN: 56 Rec | 610 Yds | 5 TDs2023 — TEN: 75 Rec | 1,057 Yds | 7 TDs2022 — ARI: 64 Rec | 717 Yds | 3 TDs2021 — ARI: 42 Rec | 572 Yds | 8 TDs2020 — ARI: 115 Rec | 1,407 Yds | 6 TDs2019 — HOU: 104 Rec | 1,165 Yds | 7 TDs2018 — HOU: 115 Rec | 1,572 Yds | 11 TDs2017 — HOU: 96 Rec | 1,378 Yds | 13 TDs2016 — HOU: 78 Rec | 954 Yds | 4 TDs2015 — HOU: 111 Rec | 1,521 Yds | 11 TDs
The person was a complete stud from 2015 to 2020.
The Huge Lead‘s Jobe Morrison also mentioned the Philadelphia Eagles as a landing spot for Hopkins last week: “The Eagles traded away A.J. Brown and drafted Makai Lemon. They also acquired Dontayvion Wicks. Even so, Hopkins could carve out a role in Philadelphia’s offense just like the one he may fill in Minnesota.”
“Hopkins remains a savvy route runner with excellent hands, even if he no longer possesses the speed that defined his early career. He would likely compete with Lemon, Wicks, and Hollywood Brown for snaps. Could Hopkins help Jalen Hurts lead the Eagles back to the Super Bowl?”
Why Not?
Signing Hopkins because the WR3 would possibly’ve been a bit shaky — he has not produced these numbers since 2024 or 2023 — however WR4 is a distinct ball of wax. For now, the Vikings have Tai Felton or rookie Dillon Bell in line to fill the WR4 duty. Neither man would outduel Hopkins at coaching camp.
Baltimore Ravens huge receiver DeAndre Hopkins reacts after a run throughout first-quarter motion towards the Houston Texans on Oct. 5, 2025, at M&T Financial institution Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, bringing veteran power to a matchup towards one in all his former groups because the Ravens regarded for offensive rhythm early within the afternoon. Obligatory Credit score: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Photographs.
There’s additionally Hopkins’ redzone acumen to contemplate. Because it stands, Minnesota doesn’t have oodles of go-to playmakers contained in the 20. Justin Jefferson’s yardage output has by no means matched his landing accumulation. Jordan Addison is a house run hitter, not a redzone savant. T.J. Hockenson hasn’t performed like himself, or at the very least hasn’t been afforded the targets since 2023. And Jennings is new.
Taking the plunge with Hopkins on a reasonable contract, per Crawford, checks bins for the Vikings, even when he’s used sparingly and within the redzone.
Hopkins turned 34 just a few weeks in the past and got here from the identical draft as former Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
