DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
Getty
DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during warmups before a game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Houston Texans could use a replacement for veteran Christian Kirk, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency this offseason. The Texans have several young options they can turn to, but a veteran like DeAndre Hopkins could be a fitting addition.
Hopkins remains a free agent two weeks into the 2026 cycle.
Moreover, Hopkins–a franchise icon, five-time Pro Bowler, and three-time First Team All-Pro–appears to be open to it.
DeAndre Hopkins Piques Interest Over Potential Texans Return
DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
GettyDeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates against the Cleveland Browns.
During an impromptu question and answer session, a fan asked Hopkins if he was “opposed to coming back home” and possibly re-signing with the Texans.
Hopkins last suited up for Houston in 2019, having stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tennessee Titans. He had 22 receptions for 339 yards and 2 touchdowns with the Ravens in 2025.
“Houston is always home!” Hopkins posted in response on March 19.
Hopkins, who suggested his stat line in 2025 was more about usage than ability, technically did not say yes or no. Still, the fan urged Texans general manager Nick Caserio to make it happen.
His yards and touchdowns set new career lows, while his TDs tied a previous worst mark. He also posted his fourth-worst catch rate at 56.4%, per Pro Football Reference. However, his 8.5 yards per target were the fifth-best mark of his career, better than four of his seven seasons in Houston.
Hopkins made no bones about where he is in his career.
“Don’t want the load as a number 1,” Hopkins told another fan when asked directly. “But when targeted, if not mistaken, I’ve been very QB-friendly and productive. When I drop a pass, it seems like ww4 to the world, but I like being held to the highest standard by others bc I hold myself to that regard.”
Hopkins, who turns 34 in June and has a 1,006-13,295-85 line in his career, started three games but played in all 17 for the Ravens during the regular season.
He has $144.4 million in career earnings, but is coming off a one-year, $5 million pact with Baltimore. The Texans could land Hopkins at an even lower rate, with Spotrac projecting a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
DeAndre Hopkins Can Help WR Room
Nico Collins, Houston Texans
GettyNico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Seattle Seahawks.
Hopkins’ ability to produce on the field is one of the potential benefits for the Texans. They could also use his presence in a WR room. Their best player under contract is current top option Nico Collins, a two-time Pro Bowler who turned 27 on Friday.
Collins and fellow bigger-bodied targets Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson could all glean something from Hopkins. He is shorter than they are, but one of the best at the point of attack.
Youngsters Jaylin Noel and Tank Dell could stand another savvy veteran in the room, too.
The Texans have three-time Super Bowl champion Justin Watson on their roster, who turns 30 in April. However, he does not have the same presence or track record as Hopkins. That is especially true in terms of Houston’s franchise history.
The Texans also battled injuries at receiver in 2025, including Collins and Watson. Adding the durable Hopkins could be practical and a source of motivation for the Texans in 2026.