DeAndre Hopkins, Cincinnati Bengals
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(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals‘ weakness last season wasn’t the offense; it was the defense that let the team down on several occasions. As a result, improving that unit has been a priority for the front office.
Free agent signings of Jonathan Allen, edge rusher Boye Mafe, and safety Bryan Cook could go a long way in helping the team improve for the 2026 NFL season.
Moreover, with the NFL Draft a few weeks away, the Bengals can further improve their defensive unit. Nonetheless, could Cincinnati look to add a veteran wideout on offense despite having Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins? Kay Adams shared a compelling take regarding DeAndre Hopkins being a fit for the Bengals.
“I want to talk about DeAndre Hopkins, everybody, because which contender wants him?”Adams said on the March 23 edition of “Up & Adams.” “He wants a ring. He told me he’s open to playing strictly in the slot. I think he’d like — I think if he had his pick, Joe Burrow would be high up there. They clearly had a little time together this week. Burrow wanted him on his team.
“I know that it sounds like an eye roll because Cincinnati doesn’t need help there. It’d be fun to see him, of course, with Ja’Marr and Tee on the outside. He mentioned to me that he wants a team with a good defense. That clearly is not the Bengals, but we talked about the Bengals for a while.”
Last season, Hopkins had 22 catches for 330 yards and scored 2 touchdowns in 17 games in 2025 for the Baltimore Ravens,per StatMuse.
Bengals Aren’t the Only Potential Landing Spot for DeAndre Hopkins
Nonetheless, Adams did suggest other landing spots for Adams where he would be on a team with a much better defense than what the Bengals could have next season.
“A return to Houston would be something he’d love as well,“ Adams added. “He’d fit in with the veteran guys and the young receiver room. He’d be great for C.J. Stroud. I’ll also put out, and I didn’t talk to him about this, I put out New England right now. Does that make sense? He was with [Mike] Vrabel in Houston and Tennessee. I feel like he could track the balls beautifully with Drake Maye. He feels Patriot‑y to me.
“I wish I’d asked him about it. I know it sounds counterintuitive with Cincinnati, but wouldn’t they be the best spot for him to sort of thrive? It’s not an area of need, but the idea of him in the slot drawing matchups with safeties and linebackers is fun to think about.“
DeAndre Hopkins Sends Message to Vikings and Kyler Murray
Nonetheless, Hopkins might have his eyes set on a different team: The Minnesota Vikings. Speaking to TMZ Sports, DeAndre Hopkins said he would like to reunite with new Vikings QB Kyler Murray, whom he played with during his time with theArizona Cardinals.
“Kyler … that’s my bro, man. Kyler is like family,“Hopkins said in a TMZ article published on March 22. “Whatever I can do for someone like that — if Kyler needed me, if the Vikings need me, they know I’ll be there.”