Impending free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins could be one-and-done with the Kansas City Chiefs as the three-time All-Pro heads for the open market. Once among the league’s elite players, Hopkins has slowed down with age but he’s still a reliable starter with the size and strength to consistently win on the outside. After starting the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans, Hopkins joined Kansas City at the trade deadline and recorded 41 receptions for 437 yards and four touchdowns during his 10 games with the club.
DeAndre Hopkins played a pivotal role in guiding the Kansas City Chiefs to the Super Bowl, and the free agent should be in high demand during the offseason. According to Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team, Hopkins will leave Kansas City and sign with their division rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers.
At this point in his career, Hopkins might need more of a YOLO-passer than Mahomes is and someone who wants to throw outside of the numbers more. Los Angeles with Justin Herbert looks like a great fit.
Chargers Could Steal Free Agent DeAndre Hopkins From Chiefs
The Los Angeles Chargers need another wide receiver in the worst way. While head coach Jim Harbaugh prefers to win football games with a run-heavy attack, even he knows this team needs more pass-catching talent. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey played phenomenally well as a rookie, but 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston is far too inconsistent to be a regular starter. The team reportedly tried to pick up Diontae Johnson on multiple occasions throughout the previous season, so they know their current group of pass-catchers aren’t cutting it.
Hopkins would be a perfect fit for this team. While the five-time Pro Bowler isn’t a superstar anymore, his skillset meshes perfectly with the Chargers offense. McConkey is a shifty player who can get open out wide and in the slot, but he’s not the type of player who can routinely bring in contested passes downfield. DeAndre Hopkins excels in this role and should perfectly fit the rocket-armed Justin Herbert.
While Hopkins is still a reliable player, he’s far from the best wide receiver set to hit free agency. The Cincinnati Bengals will likely lose Tee Higgins to a higher offer, and there’s a chance Chris Godwin will leave Tampa Bay. Both players are better than the present-day version of Hopkins, and the Chargers have the financial resources to get either receiver. Armed with $63.4 million in cap space, Los Angeles could sign either player and still address the rest of their offensive needs. That being said, Hopkins could be a smart signing if they prioritize the offensive line or tight end.
Could the Chiefs Bring Him Back?
The Kansas City Chiefs would probably like to retain DeAndre Hopkins, but they might not be able to afford the free agent. As of this posting, the team is slightly over the projected 2025 salary cap and must attempt to retain some of their other free agents. Players like Trey Smith, Nick Bolton, and Justin Reid are all set to test the open market, and all three are likely more valuable to Kansas City than Hopkins.
First-round pick Xavier Worthy came on strong down the stretch, and the team should have Rashee Rice back on the field in 2025. If Travis Kelce returns, Kansas City will have three reliable receivers for Mahomes. However, if Kelce calls it a career, then perhaps the team could focus on retaining Hopkins as the veteran third option for this passing attack.
Main Photo: Stephen Lew – Imagn Images
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