DeAndre Hopkins may have found his next home on a flag football field in Los Angeles. During the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic on Saturday, the veteran wide receiver showcased immediate chemistry with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, hauling in a highlight-reel touchdown for Team Wildcats.
The connection wasn’t just for the cameras; shortly after the event, Hopkins fueled speculation by posting the clip to social media accompanied by a tiger emoji. In a follow-up interview with Kay Adams, the 33-year-old was vocal about his admiration for Burrow, recalling their history since the quarterback’s LSU days when he “beat up on” Hopkins‘ Clemson Tigers.
Hopkins enters the 2026 offseason after a frustrating 2025 campaign with the Baltimore Ravens, where he was utilized sparingly in an offense that finished 8-9 and missed the postseason.
Despite recording only 22 receptions for 330 yards, Hopkins maintains that his separation metrics remain among the league’s elite. As he enters what could be the final phase of his career, the “Passtronaut” teammate has made it clear he is no longer chasing the largest contract, but rather the right competitive fit.
He explicitly stated that his two non-negotiable priorities for his next team are an “established quarterback” and a “solid defense”, two boxes the Bengals, led by Burrow and a young, rising secondary, comfortably check.
A strategic fit in the slot
The potential addition of Hopkins to a receiving corps that already features Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins would solve a specific personnel puzzle for Cincinnati.
During his conversation with Adams, Hopkins confirmed he is more than comfortable transitioning into a full-time slot role, a position the Bengals have been looking to upgrade to provide Burrow with a dependable “safety valve” over the middle.
With roughly $22.66 million in available cap space and a tendency to avoid overpaying for aging stars, Cincinnati represents a logical landing spot for a veteran willing to sign a team-friendly, incentive-heavy deal.
“Joe Burrow is one of the best in the game,” Hopkins told Adams. “Joe is one of the best to do it.”
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