Quiet Signing Making a Loud Impact
The Baltimore Ravens made a low-key move in March by signing DeAndre Hopkins. Despite the initial lack of buzz, the three-time first-team All-Pro is already drawing attention in Baltimore.
“First of all, I think he’s a heck of a football player,” head coach John Harbaugh said this week, according to the team’s official website. “Obviously, you saw him today. He’s a gifted guy. He’s a talented guy. He’s going to be a big-body, contested-catch receiver for us, certainly.”
“He’s moving great. Plus, he brings all that experience. He’s been in big games before. He’s made plays in the big games. He knows how to make plays. There’s not going to be any situation that’s going to be too big for him, but I just thought he and Lamar (Jackson) looked really good today out there together. It was nice to see.”
Underwhelming Stint in Kansas City
Hopkins, a regular Pro Bowler earlier in his career, did not live up to expectations with the Kansas City Chiefs last season following a midseason trade. He recorded 437 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 10 regular-season games, and added only three receptions for 29 yards and one touchdown across three playoff appearances.
That dip in production led to doubts about whether the soon-to-be 33-year-old receiver still had the ability to perform at a high level. Those within the Ravens organization appear unconvinced by such skepticism.
Positive Reviews From Teammates
“He looks great,” tight end Mark Andrews said of Hopkins. “He looks really, really good. He’s been making some big plays, and I think he’s going to be great for our offense, just being versatile, having a guy that catches the ball extremely well, runs really fluid routes and knows the game well. And he looks like, when he’s out here, he’s flying around. He’s looked really good.”
Although his 2024 performance in Kansas City fell short, Hopkins had surpassed 1,000 receiving yards with Tennessee in 2023. Last season was the first time since 2016 that he played more than 11 games and failed to reach 1,000 yards.
Veteran Role in a Loaded Offense
As wide receivers age, a decline in speed and separation is common. Hopkins, however, relies on his size and strong hands to stay effective.
In Baltimore, he won’t be expected to shoulder the offensive load. Instead, Hopkins joins a supporting cast that includes Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.
While big statistical numbers may not be his role, especially in red-zone situations and on crucial third downs, could significantly benefit Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense.
