One of the biggest moves of the Kansas City Chiefs' 2024 season was bringing in star receiver DeAndre Hopkins. There was a level of belief that Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid could unlock the dominating version of the pass catcher we watched in Arizona and Houston. However, this was far from the case with Hopkins appearing a step slow and not having anywhere close to the expected impact.
Searching for an answer to replace Rashee Rice, the veteran could only show flashes of what he once was. This led to the two sides parting ways at the end of the season and Hopkins signing with Lamar Jackson's Baltimore Ravens.
Everything released before and after the signing suggests that Hopkins perhaps wasn't fully healthy when he joined the Chiefs. The receiver's speed is back, and the early impact has been incredible. Chemistry with Jackson is quickly growing and showing the Chiefs made a rare mistake parting ways with the veteran. Even around a camp injury, everything is coming out about the veteran is leaving Baltimore fans reason to believe the team has added another elite target. One the Chiefs could use about now with the recent injury to Hollywood Brown and the expected suspension of star pass catcher Rashee Rice.
The Chiefs Made a Mistake Parting Ways with DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins staying in Kansas City for one more season to find out if there is anything left in the tank would've been wise for both sides. Mahomes is the far superior passer, and the Chiefs remain the AFC favorites. Perhaps a part of this decision is due to the expectation that Rice's legal case wouldn't be resolved so quickly. There was some thought that the league would wait to suspend the receiver based on the legal proceedings.
With the case now settled, the league is free to give out whatever suspension it deems is needed. All adding up to the Chiefs needing more depth, and Hopkins would've been the perfect option. The Ravens are one of the few threats to the Chiefs in the conference, and losing a key piece who appears to have drastically improved doesn't make it any easier.
Hopkins appears a step faster and has shown signs of returning to the player he was for Kyler Murray and Deshaun Watson. If this does prove to be the case, the Ravens will be a legitimate threat to the Chiefs' attempt to win the AFC for a fourth straight season.