OWINGS MILLS, Md. — DeAndre Hopkins finds himself transitioning from playing with one celebrated MVP quarterback to another.
After an illustrious run with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, which culminated in a Super Bowl appearance last season, the 32-year-old wide receiver Hopkins is now set to team up with Lamar Jackson. Hopkins finalized a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens and is eager to embark on this new chapter. Last year, the Ravens’ offense shone brightly as Jackson reached 4,172 passing yards, marking a personal high, alongside an impressive passer rating of 119.6.
The Ravens are not solely relying on Hopkins to replicate his all-Pro years from 2017 to 2019. Instead, they view him as an asset to enhance their already dynamic offensive lineup. Hopkins had a productive 2023 season, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, but his performance waned following his transfer from Tennessee to Kansas City mid-season.
Baltimore boasts a formidable roster with Lamar Jackson at the helm and Derrick Henry providing robust support in the backfield. The receiving corps is rich with talent, including wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, as well as tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.
Hopkins, eager to integrate with his new teammates, praised their vigor and talent. “The receivers specifically, they’re young, fast, and those guys go out and make plays,” he expressed. While he’s not familiar with them beyond their on-field abilities, Hopkins is enthusiastic about bonding and growing alongside them.
Henry, who recorded 1,921 rushing yards in his inaugural season with the Ravens, shares a history with Hopkins from their days in Tennessee. “Derrick and I talk throughout the year, and that’s one of my best friends. He keeps it honest, so for me, it was a couple of different things,” Hopkins mentioned. “From the head coach down, I feel like everyone, they compete, they’re dawgs, and I feel like this organization (and) this team matches who I am.”
One lingering question surrounds what Hopkins will contribute to the team. The Ravens have previously recruited prominent receivers past their primes, such as Odell Beckham Jr., who had a respectable, yet not groundbreaking, 2023 season with 35 catches totaling 565 yards.
In this new setting, Hopkins might not see the same volume of targets he did earlier in his career due to Baltimore’s extensive array of offensive threats. However, with defenses likely preoccupied with Baltimore’s other stars like Jackson, Henry, or the speedy Flowers, Hopkins has the opportunity to thrive.
Although not known for blazing speed, Hopkins thrives on making plays on the ball and executing contested catches. He expressed confidence in his skill to navigate defensive coverages, having amassed extensive experience over his 13-year NFL career.
Now on a team captained by one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, Hopkins is excited about the future. “I was watching YouTube highlights of this offense to kind of get familiar with it, and he makes some incredible throws. Lamar, he knows how to thread the needle, so for me, that was definitely a big part of the decision,” he said, recognizing Jackson’s prowess and the partnership’s potential.
