The NFL can be a brutal business, and free agency shows that. Several players haven't been able to land a job, getting an indication of how they are viewed around the league. Former Kansas City WR DeAndre Hopkins is still on the free agent market, and wherever he ends up next could be his last stop in the NFL.
Hopkins will turn 34 years old in June and has been in the NFL for the last 13 years, but his lack of interest from teams around the league is telling. The longer he sits on the open market, the worse of an indicator it is, foreshadowing that his time in the NFL could be coming to an end soon.
Ex-Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins Staying on the FA Market Is a Bad Sign
Back in October 2024, the Chiefs acquired Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans for a fifth-round pick. At the time, they thought they were getting a difference maker in the passing game who would elevate their offense. In 10 games with Kansas City, Hopkins finished with 41 catches (59 targets) for 437 yards and four touchdowns.
During the playoffs, Hopkins was a non-factor, logging three grabs (eight targets) with 29 receiving yards and one score. The Chiefs let him walk that offseason, where he joined the Baltimore Ravens. And his numbers continued to head in the wrong direction. In 17 games (3 starts) with the Ravens, Hopkins tallied career lows in targets (39), catches (22), and receiving yards (330). He did get into the end zone twice, but it was clear he had lost a step.
Back in March, Hopkins interviewed with Kay Adams of FanDuel TV and made comments that came off as pleas to get signed. He gave props to Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow and Minnesota Vikings QB Kyler Murray during the call, expressing that he would be thrilled to join either team.
That didn't materialize, and with the draft one week away, front offices across the league have focused their attention there. With so much talent at receiver in this draft, teams will look to add a young pass catcher that could come at a low cost and be under team control over the next few years.
At this point, it's more appealing to draft someone than it is to sign a receiver who's past his prime. Hopkins used to be one of the best playmakers in the league, but those days are in the rearview mirror. Even the caliber of player he was with the Chiefs seems to be gone.
Hopkins' days in the NFL seem numbered, and the way free agency has played out shows how the league looks at him now. And it isn't in the best light.