At the center of the storm is the wide receiver room, where a future Hall of Famer’s short-term experiment reaches its crossroads. While DeAndre Hopkins remains the headline name, he is merely the tip of an iceberg…

It’s not just about the star power; the draft-and-develop philosophy is being put to the ultimate test. As key starters on both sides of the ball reach the end of their deals, they must decide who is a cornerstone and who is simply a luxury NFL item.

Baltimore Ravens free agents in 2026

The tension in Baltimore stems from a fundamental conflict: the desire to remain a perennial contender and the mathematical reality of the salary cap. With roughly 19 players entering the final months of their tenure, the Ravens are forced to prioritize long-term stability over veteran sentiment.

A prime example of this dilemma is the wide receiver room, headlined by the legendary DeAndre Hopkins. While Hopkins has provided a reliable target and a veteran presence, his expiring contract forces a decision on whether to invest in his twilight years or pivot fully to a youth movement led by Zay Flowers.

The 2026 offseason will serve as a referendum on Eric DeCosta’s “right player, right price” philosophy. The front office is auditing every snap and every dollar, knowing that overextending for one star could mean losing three essential starters.

Starting to play in 2002, the Houston Texans quickly forged an identity built on grit and ambition. In just over two decades, the franchise has seen defensive powerhouses and leaders who carried the team through defining seasons.

From the dominance of J.J. Watt to the precision of Andre Johnson, each era brought a new face to Houston’s rise. Their history may be brief, but its moments of greatness have left a lasting impression across the NFL landscape.

Together, these players chart the evolution of a young franchise finding its voice—through records broken, rivalries ignited and performances that turned Houston into a true football city.

J.J. Watt

The legend of J.J. Watt in Houston is defined by an unparalleled combination of on-field dominance and profound civic heroism. He became the franchise’s all-time defensive anchor, achieving the near-impossible feat of earning the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award three times.

His relentless motor, versatility across the defensive line, and ability to score touchdowns made him the most electrifying defensive player of his generation. However, his legacy transcends sacks and tackles for loss.

Following Hurricane Harvey in 2017, he cemented his status as a city icon by leading a massive, global fundraising campaign that raised over $37 million for relief efforts. This act of selfless leadership earned him the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, forever linking his name with Houston’s resilience and community spirit.

Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson was the original pillar of the Houston Texans franchise, the first true star wide receiver whose consistent, record-breaking production provided the offensive identity for the team’s first decade.

Drafted third overall in 2003, he amassed team records in nearly every receiving category, including career receptions and receiving yards. His dominance was particularly notable for his ability to achieve elite numbers despite a rotating and often inconsistent group of quarterbacks throwing him the ball.

He became one of only three players in the Super Bowl era—along with Jerry Rice and Calvin Johnson—to lead the NFL in receiving yards in back-to-back seasons. His career culminated in him becoming the inaugural inductee into the Texans’ Ring of Honor.

DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins seamlessly assumed the mantle of the Texans’ star receiver from Andre Johnson, quickly establishing himself as one of the most physically gifted wideouts of his era. His tenure in Houston was marked by stunning catches, elite consistency, and numerous All-Pro selections, showcasing a spectacular vertical game and the ability to win jump balls against any defensive back.

His production peaked during a remarkable run where he posted five 1,000-yard seasons, including a career-high 1,572 yards in 2018. He was a master of his craft, known for his sure hands and precise route-running.

His unexpected and controversial departure in 2020 via trade remains a highly debated topic among the fanbase, but his dominance solidified his status as one of the franchise’s all-time offensive forces.

Arian Foster

The story of Arian Foster is one of the NFL’s great underdog narratives. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009, he transformed into one of the league’s most dominant rushers, shattering expectations and setting numerous franchise rushing records.

Known for his unique, elusive running style and patience behind the line, he was the engine of the Texans’ offense during their first successful playoff era. He led the NFL in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in 2010 and remains the Texans’ all-time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

His success validated the team’s development program and made him an inspirational figure whose philosophical, non-conformist personality set him apart both on and off the gridiron.

Duane Brown

Duane Brown anchored the Texans’ offensive line as the team’s reliable left tackle for nearly a decade, serving as the crucial “blind side” protector for quarterbacks like Matt Schaub. Drafted in the first round in 2008, he immediately established himself as one of the best pass blockers in the AFC, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and a First-team All-Pro nod in 2012.

The durable lineman was instrumental in the team’s first successful playoff runs, providing the stability necessary for both the passing game and Arian Foster’s running attack. His eventual departure in a mid-season trade in 2017—a move preceded by a contract holdout—was a controversial moment that signaled a shift in the organization’s approach to its veteran core.

Matt Schaub

Matt Schaub was the franchise quarterback who presided over the Houston Texans’ first true era of competitive relevance. Traded to the team in 2007, he spent seven seasons as the starter, earning two Pro Bowl selections and leading the NFL in passing yards in 2009. He was the field general who guided the Texans to their first-ever playoff berth in 2011, achieving multiple franchise records along the way.

His tenure was marked by dramatic highs—including a franchise-record 379 passing yards in one game—but also by a difficult downturn near the end of his time in Houston, often remembered for a highly public string of interceptions returned for touchdowns. Despite the final struggles, he remains the quarterback synonymous with the organization’s initial rise from expansion team to AFC contender.

Kareem Jackson

Kareem Jackson was a versatile and long-tenured fixture of the Texans’ secondary, spending nine seasons with the franchise after being drafted in the first round in 2010.

His defining trait was his remarkable positional flexibility, starting his career at cornerback before successfully transitioning to safety later in his tenure. This ability to adapt made him an indispensable component of the defense for nearly a decade.

His longevity and consistent defensive production—leaving the team tied for the franchise lead in career interceptions—made him an immediate leader and a respected veteran. He embodied the tough, physical secondary that defined the Texans’ best defensive units of the 2010s, consistently making impact plays across multiple defensive schemes.

Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson‘s tenure with the Texans is one of the most complex and ultimately tragic narratives in franchise history. On the field, he was an undeniable star who brought a level of elite quarterback play the organization had long coveted. He led the Texans to back-to-back division titles in 2018 and 2019 and led the league in passing yards in 2020, earning three Pro Bowl honors.

However, the final chapter of his time in Houston became permanently marred by extensive off-field controversy and legal challenges related to misconduct allegations. His subsequent disagreement with the front office and eventual trade to the Browns left a highly polarizing void, cementing his legacy as a figure whose immense talent was overshadowed by scandal and an untimely exit.

Mario Williams

Mario Williams holds the distinction of being the first-ever overall draft pick by the Houston Texans in 2006, a selection that came under intense scrutiny but ultimately provided the team with an elite defensive anchor.

“Super Mario” was a towering defensive end whose speed and power established him as a premier pass-rusher, answering critics by earning two consecutive First-team All-Pro selections and multiple Pro Bowl nods.

He became a foundational piece of the defense, consistently ranking among the league leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. His explosive play was critical in the team’s transition toward competitive relevance in the late 2000s, even though he later departed in free agency, leaving a legacy of immense physical dominance and high-stakes draft significance.

DeMeco Ryans

DeMeco Ryans’ importance to the Texans is uniquely defined by his success in two different eras of the franchise. Initially drafted in 2006, he was the defensive heart of the team, earning the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and two Pro Bowl selections as a player.

He was a relentless tackler and a quiet leader, captaining the 2011 squad that claimed the franchise’s inaugural playoff berth. His return to the Texans as head coach in 2023 completed a compelling circle.

He immediately implemented a culture shift, focusing on defensive aggression and team discipline. He led the team to a stunning AFC South title and a playoff victory in his first season, becoming the first coach in NFL history to win a division with a rookie quarterback in his first year as a head coach.

C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud represents the immediate hope and spectacular future of the Houston Texans franchise. Drafted second overall in 2023, he became the catalyst for an instant turnaround, delivering one of the greatest rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history.

He was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and led the Texans to an unexpected division title and a playoff victory. His debut was record-breaking: he set the NFL mark for the most pass attempts without an interception to begin a career and became just the fifth quarterback in league history to surpass 4,000 yards in his rookie campaign.

His poise, intelligence, and immediate success under pressure established him as the young face of the franchise and the dynamic engine behind the team’s current resurgence.

Owen Daniels

Owen Daniels was the dependable, two-time Pro Bowl tight end who provided crucial stability and production in the Texans’ passing game for years. Drafted in 2006, he became the team’s primary receiving threat at the position, known for his sure hands and consistent yards-after-catch ability.

He anchored the offense for over seven seasons, totaling 385 receptions and 4,617 receiving yards with Houston. His quiet reliability made him indispensable during the team’s first playoff runs, providing a necessary safety valve for quarterback Matt Schaub.

While he achieved his Super Bowl ring with the Broncos later in his career, his work in Houston established the benchmark for tight end production within the franchise.

Shane Lechler

Shane Lechler, often regarded as one of the greatest punters in NFL history, brought elite, long-range field position control to the Texans’ special teams unit. After a long, successful run with the Raiders, he joined Houston in 2013 and continued his exceptional career, leading the league in punting yards multiple times.

His dominance was built on immense leg strength and remarkable consistency, earning him multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors over his career. His presence solidified special teams and provided a decisive advantage in field position battles, ensuring the Texans had a specialist whose excellence helped tilt the statistical margins of countless games.

Whitney Mercilus

Whitney Mercilus was a highly productive outside linebacker and a key pass-rushing threat who spent the majority of his career as a staple of the Texans’ defensive front. Drafted in the first round in 2012, he recorded a career-high 12 sacks in 2015 and earned a Second-team All-Pro selection in 2016.

He was a relentless force on the edge, known for his high motor and ability to generate turnovers and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He was an integral component of the team’s defense during their competitive period of the mid-2010s, showcasing the high level of talent that defined the Texans’ defensive draft strategy.

Will Fuller

Will Fuller was the electrifying deep threat whose blazing speed and big-play capability stretched opposing defenses during his time in Houston. Drafted in the first round in 2016, he quickly established himself as a dynamic, game-breaking receiver, often pairing perfectly with Deshaun Watson’s downfield passing ability. His speed was his signature asset.

His impact was immediate, setting a franchise rookie record for receiving yards in a season opener. When healthy, his presence completely altered defensive schemes. Despite his career being hampered by injuries, his spectacular highlights and constant threat to score on any given play make him one of the most memorable offensive weapons in franchise history.

Jadeveon Clowney

Jadeveon Clowney’s time with the Texans is defined by the unique burden of expectations placed upon a No. 1 overall pick. Drafted in 2014, he was hailed as a “once-in-a-generation” defensive talent who would form a terrifying duo with J.J. Watt. While his career never quite reached the consensus Hall of Fame trajectory expected of the top pick, he was a dominant edge presence when healthy.

He was an exceptional run defender and set a powerful edge, earning three consecutive Pro Bowl selections during his tenure. His legacy in Houston is complex: despite his immense talent and high-level play, his inability to reach the 10-sack mark in any season and his eventual trade in 2019 left fans with a sense of “what if” regarding his ultimate potential.

Johnathan Joseph

Johnathan Joseph was the veteran cornerback whose arrival in 2011 instantly transformed the Texans’ historically weak pass defense into one of the league’s best. Signed in free agency, he became the shutdown corner the franchise desperately needed, providing stability and leadership to a young secondary that included rookie Kareem Jackson.

He was a two-time Pro Bowler and earned a Second-team All-Pro nod, retiring as the franchise leader in both career interceptions and interceptions returned for touchdowns. His intelligence, calm demeanor, and ability to consistently match up against the AFC’s top receivers made him an invaluable mentor and a beloved anchor in the defensive backfield for nine seasons.

Eric Winston

Eric Winston embodied the rugged, unheralded reliability of the offensive line during the Texans’ rise to contention. Drafted in 2006, the towering right tackle became an immediate starter and anchored the line for six seasons, providing critical pass protection for the franchise’s first great offensive period under Matt Schaub and Arian Foster.

His influence extended far beyond the gridiron, as he became a highly respected voice in the locker room and eventually served as the President of the NFL Players Association. His outspoken advocacy for player rights, particularly during the 2011 lockout, defined him as a principled leader whose quiet commitment earned him immense respect across the entire league.

Connor Barwin

Connor Barwin was the energetic and versatile linebacker whose breakout season was instrumental in the Texans’ 2011 defensive resurgence. Drafted in 2009, he initially played defensive end before shifting to outside linebacker, where his relentless motor and athleticism truly shined under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

His most memorable single-game performance came in 2011 when he set a then-franchise record with four sacks in a single game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though his overall tenure was relatively short, his high-energy production and position flexibility were crucial elements that helped transform the Texans’ defense into an AFC powerhouse, earning him a place among the team’s most effective pass rushers.

Dunta Robinson

Dunta Robinson was a high-risk, high-reward cornerback and one of the first major foundational draft picks in franchise history, selected 10th overall in 2004. He immediately lived up to his draft status, winning the PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year Award after his debut season.

His career in Houston was marked by his aggressive, physical playstyle, which often generated big hits and turnovers. While he became the first player in Texans history to receive the franchise tag, his contentious contract negotiations and eventual departure defined the early struggles of the franchise to retain homegrown talent. He left the team as the all-time interceptions leader, cementing his place as a dynamic but complicated figure in the secondary.

Steve Slaton

Steve Slaton’s brief but brilliant run with the Texans established him as the franchise’s first true rushing sensation. Drafted in the third round in 2008 as a projected third-down back, he shattered expectations, being thrust into the starting role and leading all rookie running backs in rushing yards with over 1,200. His rookie campaign was defined by explosive speed and quickness, instantly becoming a fan favorite.

His success was pivotal in helping the Texans’ offense set new franchise records in yards and production during the late 2000s, often getting stronger as the season progressed. Although injuries tragically cut short his tenure and explosive production, his rookie year remains one of the most exciting individual debut seasons in team history.

Danieal Manning

Danieal Manning was the veteran safety whose arrival in 2011 was key to transforming the Texans’ struggling defense into a top-tier unit. Signed in free agency, he provided the necessary veteran presence and playmaking skills to elevate the defensive backfield. He brought versatility, playing both free and strong safety, and was a reliable tackling presence

His impact was immediate, helping the defense flip its narrative from one of the league’s worst to one of the best in a single season, paving the way for the team’s first playoff berth. His four seasons in Houston cemented his reputation as a hard-hitting, intelligent veteran who thrived under the disciplined defensive system of Wade Phillips.

Amobi Okoye

Amobi Okoye holds a unique piece of NFL history as the youngest player ever drafted in the first round of the modern NFL Draft, selected 10th overall in 2007 at the age of 19. His early career in Houston was marked by remarkable promise, as the defensive tackle earned the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month award for September 2007.

His legacy is defined by his record-breaking youth and his subsequent personal battle for survival. After his initial four seasons with the Texans, his career was tragically interrupted by a diagnosis of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, which required him to be placed in a medically induced coma. His fight to return to the NFL after overcoming such a rare and severe illness is a deeply moving story of human resilience.

Chester Pitts

Chester Pitts is the embodiment of the early Texans’ fighting spirit and a true organizational original. Drafted in the second round of the inaugural 2002 NFL Draft, he became the first player in franchise history to start every game he played with the team during his eight seasons in Houston. This streak of durability and consistency made him the cornerstone of the offensive line.

A former college walk-on, his journey from a grocery bagger to an indispensable NFL starter is a testament to perseverance. His consistent presence provided the necessary foundation for the offense during the franchise’s difficult expansion years, and his enduring commitment to the Houston community, highlighted by his charitable foundation, solidified his reputation as a true local legend.

Domanick Williams

Domanick Williams (formerly Domanick Davis) immediately established himself as the premier offensive star in the early years of the Texans franchise. Drafted in 2003, he won the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year Award and proceeded to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. He was a versatile threat, combining powerful running with exceptional receiving skills out of the backfield.

He was the initial offensive focal point that gave the Texans an identity outside of their expansion status. Although his promising career was tragically cut short after only three seasons due to a knee injury in 2005, his explosive production and immediate success made him the first great running back in team history.

Derrick Henry has been an outstanding asset for the Ravens. He is arguably Lamar Jackson’s most dangerous offensive weapon, but he’s far from the only one.

According to Henry, the NFL is underestimating DeAndre Hopkins, who joined the Ravens this year in a move that has already paid off for Baltimore.

Derrick Henry warns the entire NFL about underestimating DeAndre Hopkins

Earlier this year, the Ravens decided to add a star wide receiver to Lamar Jackson’s offense. They went for DeAndre Hopkins, whose stint with the Chiefs raised some doubts about his fit in Baltimore.

Head coach John Harbaugh wanted to add a seasoned wide receiver, similar to what he did with Odell Beckham Jr. not long ago. However, the mindset between the two veterans is very different.

Hopkins understands that he is not the WR1 in Baltimore, while Beckham previously tried to claim that role. Hopkins is now in a WR3 role, which, according to Derrick Henry, allows him to find more space in the defense.

“Hopefully, they keep calling him ‘washed’ because that shit has been working,” Henry said Friday, via Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. “We need it.

“Everybody knows that stigma, when you get up in age, all of a sudden, something has changed.”

Age is just a number

At 33 years old, retirement is on the horizon for DeAndre Hopkins. If success comes this season, he could finally leave football with the coveted ring he has chased throughout his career.

In just two games with the Ravens, Hopkins’ numbers may seem modest, but they are highly efficient. He has four receptions on four targets for 99 yards and two touchdowns—the kind of effectiveness Lamar Jackson values in his targets.

What could’ve been a dream turned into a nightmare for the Baltimore Ravens. Sunday Night Football was a great game for football fans, except maybe for one that got shoved by Lamar Jackson during a DeAndre Hopkins‘ touchdown celebration. The quarterback has broken the silence on the incident.

“He slapped me, and he was talking s— so, I just forgot where I was for a little bit,” Jackson said after the game. “You have to think in those situations. You have security out there; let security handle it. But I just let my emotions get the best of me. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen again. I learned from that.” When emotions are rolling high, even superstars can make mistakes.

When asked if his celebrations were going to be different going forward, Jackson said, “I’ve never seen our fans do that. So, I’ll probably do it again when we score a touchdown. It’s not nothing against the fans. I’m just celebrating when my teammates get a touchdown.”

The Ravens were in full control until that moment

Whether that was the key moment that flipped the switch or not for the Bills is not clear. However, when Hopkins scored, Baltimore was in full control of the game. The Ravens were winning 34-19 at that point.

Then, an ill-fated fumble by Derrick Henry gave Buffalo a short field and it quickly turned into a touchdown. The Bills failed a 2-pt conversion and the Ravens quickly scored again with Henry. However, the Bills were rolling. They scored a touchdown, forced a punt, scored another and then secured a 32-yard field goal for the legendary Matt Prater when the clock expired.

Will Lamar Jackson be fined for the shove?

The Bills’ fan who tapped Jackson on the helmet was ejected from the stadium. Jackson isn’t the one at fault but his reaction could be classified as unwarranted. However, the NFL has made no statement regarding the quarterback facing either a fine or a suspension.

DeAndre Hopkins has been an elite NFL wide receiver for the better part of a decade. After playing with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, he is now going to the Baltimore Ravens to play with another top-tier quarterback in Lamar Jackson. Going away from Mahomes is quite a thing, but for Hopkins, it’s what’s on the other side what drove him there.

A report from Jamison Hensley of ESPN states that Hopkins saw the Ravens were a missing piece away from winning it all. “It seems like there’s been a piece that’s been missing,” Hopkins said. “I could be that addition. I could not be that addition.”

Hopkins is 33 years old, so he is in the twilight of his career but he is still a worthy assett to have on a roster. Baltimore has a complete roster and Hopkins should add experience to it. The debt of this team is to go to the Super Bowl and Hopkins just played in it. Even if it’s on a leadership role, having him there is good for the team.

There’s a reason the Ravens haven’t been able to get to the Super Bowl

Many critique Lamar Jackson for failing to go deep in the playoffs. As of now, he has a 3-5 record, which gives those critics ammo. However, while you can see his stats dipping in the playoffs, not everything can fall on Lamar’s shoulders.

Players like Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews have had fatal mistakes that costed the Ravens playoff games. That is not Jackson’s responsibility. However, the expectations for a two-time MVP are Super Bowl rings.

This year, more challenges are ahead

First, the Ravens might need Hopkins to help them go over their own hump, but there’s more. After that, you have to go through many more challenges. First and foremost, their division is hard as nails. Facing the Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers, the Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow, and the Cleveland Browns twice is not easy.

Then, when the playoffs roll around, there are the Buffalo Bills with reigning MVP Josh Allen waiting to crush the party… Oh, and a certain team called the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes, the NFL‘s modern day dynasty. The Ravens are in a great spot to challenge all teams, but it’s not going to be easy.

The Baltimore Ravens are doing everything they can to put Lamar Jackson in a position to win them the Super Bowl. This offseason, they went and signed one of the best receivers in the NFL during the last decade. One teammate has made it clear DeAndre Hopkins is more than welcome in Baltimore.

Marlon Humphrey has established himself as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks in the last few seasons. He is also known for making his opinions known. “I like D-Hop,” Marlon Humphrey said at his minicamp press conference. “I’ve gotten to have some conversations with him. He is ‘Mr. Contested Catch.’ That is for sure. Just having a conversation with him, I thought it was really humbling.”

The cornerback went on to add, “I feel that he fits the Ravens mold, and I think he’ll fit right in.” At 33 years old, Hopkins still wants to get the always-elusive Super Bowl before he calls it a day.

Hopkins was close to winning with the Chiefs last season, but they lost on big Sunday to the Eagles. Hopkins joined Kansas City mid-season and played 10 games for them, catching 41 passes for 437 yards and 4 touchdowns. His output dimmed in the playoffs but he still showed he can be a productive weapon.

The Ravens have a top-tier defense

Humphrey has played 8 seasons in the NFL and has made the Pro-Bowl in four of them. He has also been an All-Pro twice, including last season. In 2024, he had 6 interceptions, including a pick-six, defended 15 passes and forced two fumbles. Quarterbacks throwing his way only had a 60.9 passer rate. Humphrey needs to keep it going for the Ravens to contend.

The Ravens have playmakers on defense, not only Humphrey. Kyle Hamilton has established himself as a top safety in the league. He is a smart player with huge athleticism. However, if you look elsewhere, they have other great players. Roquan Smith is one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Rushers Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh both had double-digit sacks last seasons. This is a tough team to face.

Is Lamar Jackson under duress?

Lamar is arguably one of the best regular season quarterbacks of all time, and he is only 28 years old. He has two MVPs, 4 Pro-Bowls and numbers that would blow your mind. However, he only has one AFC Championship Game appearance, which was a loss.

His postseason numbers are nowhere near his regular season stats and the leash might be shortening. Once again, the Ravens have assembled a top-tier team that Lamar needs to guide to the promise land. It’s in his hands to change the narrative and win a Super Bowl.

Just a couple of years ago, the Ravens weren’t completely convinced that Lamar Jackson was their long-term answer at quarterback. But he proved the doubters wrong, becoming one of the top signal-callers in the NFL.

As a result, Baltimore rewarded him with a lucrative contract extension. Since then, the front office has been working to build a stronger roster around him—bringing in proven talent to support his growth and push the team toward championship contention.

Lamar Jackson sends message to DeAndre Hopkins about expectations in Baltimore

DeAndre Hopkins has gone from one elite quarterback to another in just a matter of months. After falling short of a Super Bowl win with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, Hopkins now sets his sights on a championship run with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

For years, Baltimore has searched for a top-tier wide receiver to complement Jackson’s skill set. Their most recent attempt, signing Odell Beckham Jr., didn’t go as planned, with the veteran leaving after just one season.

Now, Hopkins joins a talented Ravens offense that includes receivers like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Many analysts see him as the team’s WR3, but Lamar Jackson thinks Hopkins could take on a bigger role in 2025.

The quarterback recently spoke about his expectations for Hopkins, expressing confidence in the veteran’s ability to contribute immediately. Jackson made it clear that Hopkins is still a reliable target who can help elevate Baltimore’s offense and keep them in the Super Bowl conversation.

“That guy is dope. He is different,” Lamar Jackson said, via the team’s website. “That’s some super vet type of stuff. It’s just dope to have him, and I am looking forward to throwing a lot of touchdowns to him this year.”

DeAndre Hopkins’ stats from the 2024 NFL season

Once considered the best wide receiver in the NFL, DeAndre Hopkins has faced a few challenging seasons in recent years. Now, he hopes to change the narrative in 2025 with a fresh start in Baltimore.

In 2024, while playing with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, Hopkins recorded 437 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 10 games. Though his production was limited, the Ravens are optimistic that their offensive system—and the chemistry with Jackson—can help him bounce back in a big way.

And while Hopkins‘ addition didn’t exactly elevate the offense to another level, it wouldn’t be fair to call it a failed trade. But there were other moves that did left a lot to be desired in Kansas City, such as the deal for Joshua Uche.

Speaking at the NFL owners meetings this week, Reid regretted the timing for Uche’s arrival, but he went even further by admitting that his profile wasn’t exactly what the Chiefs needed.

“Probably wasn’t a great fit for what we do. And we got him late and we were trying to work him in,” Reid said, via Zach Berman of The Athletic. “That’s a tougher deal to do.

“Would have liked to see him throughout training camp so we have time to get him in there and go. By the time we got him, we were rolling. I’m not sure the fit was exactly what our defense (needed),” continued Reid, before he clarified: “He’s a great kid.”

Uche’s disappointing tenure in Kansas City

The Chiefs gave up a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire the experienced linebacker from the New England Patriots before the deadline, hoping to give a boost to the defense ran by Steve Spagnuolo.

However, Uche never settled in on Reid’s team. A healthy scratch in four of 10 regular season games and inactive during the playoffs, the 26-year-old left Kansas City with only 10 tackles to his name in six appearances, playing just 22% of the snaps.

To make things worse, Uche will spend the 2025 NFL season with the team that prevented Reid and the Chiefs from pulling off a three-peat. This offseason, the edge rusher joined the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year, $1.92 million deal which includes $1.25 million guaranteed.

Hopkins also leaves in free agency after midseason trade to Chiefs

Hopkins, on the other hand, spent more time on the field than Uche during his short stint with the Chiefs. With five starts in 10 appearances, the wideout caught 41 passes for 437 yards with four touchdowns.

He also started in two of the Chiefs’ three playoff games, though he was limited to just three catches for 29 yards and a touchdown in the postseason. Just like Uche, D-Hop packed his bags after playing last season on an expiring contract. Next year, Hopkins will chase a Super Bowl ring with Lamar Jackson on the Baltimore Ravens.

The wideout spent only a few months in Kansas City, where he couldn’t help Reid and Mahomes win a third consecutive Super Bowl. Harbaugh, however, admitted that he always thought that Hopkins belongs to Baltimore.

“He’s a guy that I’ve always felt like should be a Raven,” Harbaugh said of Hopkins, via Pro Football Talk. “That was always something I always kind of [thought when I] watched him play when we were playing against him. I felt the same way about Derrick Henry and Lamar [Jackson] when we saw him in college. But to see him now with us, in our building, working out already with the guys, it’s pretty cool.”

Hopkins signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Ravens at the start of free agency, hitting the open market as he finished the 2024 NFL season with the Chiefs on an expiring contract.

Hopkins’ brief stint with the Chiefs

Kansas City landed D-Hop via trade from the Tennessee Titans halfway through the campaign, giving up a 2025 fifth-round pick in an attempt to help Mahomes and Reid win another Super Bowl. The team made it to New Orleans, but suffered a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the big game.

Between his time with the Titans and Chiefs in 2024, Hopkins finished the year with 56 receptions for 610 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games. He also contributed with three catches for 29 yards and a TD in the postseason, but his partnership with Mahomes didn’t go exactly as expected.

A huge boost to the Ravens’ aspirations

Now, Hopkins will be looking to pursue a coveted championship with Lamar Jackson, another star craving for a Super Bowl ring. According to Harbaugh, the 32-year-old will be a perfect fit on the Ravens.

“I was in a parking lot in Tampa getting ready to go see my daughter play a lacrosse game, and we got on the phone, and I had a chance to talk to him about what his vision was for his future and what he wanted to accomplish,” Harbaugh said. “And amazingly enough, it aligned perfectly with the Ravens’ vision; it was right in line with what we’re trying to do.“

The 32-year-old hit free agency after spending the final year of his contract with the Chiefs, who got him from the Tennessee Titans in October. The expectations were sky-high by then, but things didn’t go exactly to plan.

Hopkins didn’t find the chemistry everyone expected to see between him and Mahomes, who couldn’t make D-Hop his No. 1 WR. The wideout, however, made it clear that he has no hard feelings against the quarterback or Reid for not getting that many opportunities to make plays.

“I have definitely been in situations the past couple of years where I have only gotten a couple of targets, so for me, it has never really bothered me. I embrace it. You got to realize and understand this is a business and that is how it goes,” Hopkins said last week after joining the Ravens, via Sports Illustrated.

Hopkins’ brief stint with Mahomes, Reid’s Chiefs

Both the Chiefs and Hopkins knew that their partnership could be short-lived though, with the wideout playing on an expiring contract last year. Reid and the front office, however, felt that providing Mahomes a weapon of that caliber was worth the trade.

Kansas City committed to giving the Tennessee Titans a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft that would’ve become a fourth-rounder if the Chiefs reached Super Bowl LIX with D-Hop playing 60% of the snaps. The team did make it to New Orleans, but it turned out that Hopkins was used in less than 50% of the offensive reps.

With five starts in 10 regular season appearances, Hopkins caught 41 passes from Mahomes on 59 targets, recording 437 receiving yards and four touchdowns. His production in the 2025 NFL playoffs didn’t see a significant change, with the wideout being targeted just eight times for three receptions with 29 yards and one touchdown.

Hopkins thrilled about playing with Jackson

Hopkins isn’t holding any grudges with Mahomes or Reid for that, but he’s ready to move on. Now, he’ll chase a coveted first Super Bowl ring in Baltimore with Jackson, another star who’s also been craving for a championship.

“I think Lamar being the leader of this team is part of the reason that I came here,” Hopkins admitted. “What he stands for and how he led this team and this organization to the playoffs in multiple years and since he has been here just how he has led any receiver group he has had. I think that played a big part in me coming here for sure. Lamar being the quarterback.”

Stanley agreed to re-sign with the Ravens this offseason, extending his career with the team that began in 2016. For a player of his experience, having a Super Bowl finalist like Hopkins by his side is a reason to show excitement. Additionally, Hopkins is a seasoned addition who can provide valuable offensive support for quarterback Jackson.

“I mean I had a huge smile on my face when we signed ‘D-Hop’. You know what you’re getting with that guy. I think he’s a Hall of Fame-caliber wide receiver, and I still think he has a lot of good reps, years, seasons in him. And he’s a physical player, he’s a competitive player, and I think he’s going to fit into our team really well,” Stanley reacted to the arrival of former Chiefs player Hopkins.

Hopkins’ performance in the 2024 NFL season

Hopkins, the addition of the Ravens, spent last season split between the Titans and Chiefs. Overall, he caught 56 passes for 610 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games. He played a key role for the Missouri franchise in the postseason, recording three receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown in three games.

Hopkins’ career in the NFL

Hopkins began his professional career after being selected in the first round of the 2013 Draft by the Houston Texans, where he played until 2019 and established himself as one of the league’s stars. During his time with the AFC South team, he was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and solidified his status as an elite receiver, surpassing 1,000 yards in multiple seasons.

In 2020, Hopkins was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, where he gradually became a standout receiver in the league. Injuries and a suspension in 2022 limited his impact, leading him to join the Titans in 2023. In 2024, he signed with the Chiefs to compete for a Super Bowl.