The Baltimore Ravens have signed DeAndre Hopkins to a one-year $5 million deal, which could raise to $6 million with incentives. Lamar Jackson now gets some much-needed receiver help with the future Hall of Famer. Hopkins isn’t the player he once was, but can still be impactful. Last season he caught 56 passes for 610 yards and five touchdowns.
What Hopkins Brings to the Baltimore Ravens
After Zay Flowers’ Pro Bowl campaign, opposing defenses have to focus covering the slot against the Ravens. So while all the focus is towards Flowers and Mark Andrews, Hopkins should find plenty of one-on-one opportunities on the boundary.
Baltimore Ravens, Zay Flowers
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) looks on from the field prior to the AFC Championship football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
On the surface it seems like Baltimore is adding Hopkins because of his name, but he could make a big impact to Todd Monken’s offense. Last season Rashod Bateman stepped up as a boundary receiver with 756 yards and nine touchdowns. But outside of Bateman, Lamar Jackson had no help from outside receivers. If Hopkins can replicate his 2024 output, it could make the Baltimore Raven’s offense even more dangerous, than it already is.
Why Hopkins Left Kansas City
Hopkins has made it clear he wants to win a ring before he retires. And he came as close as you can last season, so why leave the Chiefs? With Travis Kelce returning for another season, Rashee Rice coming back from injury and Kansas City re-signing Hollywood Brown, Hopkins would be the fifth receiving option at best.
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) runs the ball as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (0) defends during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) runs the ball as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (0) defends during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
In Baltimore, he gets the chance to start and help another powerhouse try to win a ring. After the Super Bowl 59 loss and the offseason Kansas City has had, the AFC looks as wide open as it’s been since Patrick Mahomes took over for Alex Smith.
The two-time MVP Lamar Jackson has struggled in the postseason throughout his career, and Hopkins hopes he can help them both win their first ring.
DeAndre Hopkins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs
DeAndre Hopkins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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