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DeAndre Hopkins could be more than an insurance policy for the Los Angeles Rams.
The Los Angeles Rams have been linked to wide receivers in the 2026 draft and free agent class this offseason, and they still have a need that DeAndre Hopkins could address.
LA backed out of trade talks with the Philadelphia Eagles for A.J. Brown over concerns about the wideout’s long-term health. They passed on receivers in the draft until the sixth round, leading to the position–and specifically their depth–as one of the few questions their roster has.
Hopkins is an older option, but one who remains reliable at this stage of his career.
GettyDeAndre Hopkins could be a strong fit for the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams have Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, giving them one of the best duos in the NFL entering the 2026 season without someone like Hopkins. Their depth has been questioned, though, particularly with Adams being older and both he and Nacua missing time last season.
Adams led the NFL in touchdown catches, but missed the final three regular-season games. Nacua missed one game, but he has missed more in the past and plays with physicality.
Hopkins is less than one year older than Adams (both are 33).
A former first-round pick of the Houston Texans, Hopkins has had stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tennessee Titans. He is coming off his least productive season as a pro, finishing with 22 receptions, 330 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
However, the five-time First Team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler had an 80-610-5 line in 2024. He surpassed 1,000 yards on 75 receptions in 2023.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz argued that receiver depth was the Rams’ biggest roster deficiency.
“There are a number of players behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, but none of them particularly stand out,” Schatz wrote on May 7. “The Rams didn’t invest in a receiver via the draft until CJ Daniels in the sixth round. Deep threat Xavier Smith had 18 catches for 303 yards last season, while Jordan Whittington — well-regarded for his run blocking — had 18 catches for 171 yards. Konata Mumpfield had 10 catches for 92 yards with a touchdown as a rookie.”
Schatz argued that “the Rams can get value out of these players.” However, Hopkins could provide a different level of insurance for the Super Bowl-hopeful Rams, simply based on his track record in the NFL.
GettyDeAndre Hopkins continues to produce when called upon.
Hopkins has also been clear about where he is at this point in his illustrious career and how he can help a team. Rams head coach Sean McVay would surely find a way to maximize him. Like Adams, Hopkins is a preeminent threat in the red zone.
“Don’t want the load as a number 1, but when targeted, if not mistaken, I’ve been very QB-friendly and productive,” Hopkins posted when asked directly in March. “When I drop a pass, it seems like ww4 to the world, but I like being held to the highest standard by others bc I hold myself to that regard.”
Hopkins has earned $144.4 million in his career. He is coming off a one-year, $5 million deal with the Ravens in 2025. Spotrac projected his market value at one year and $1.5 million.
The Rams have $29.5 million in space, per Over The Cap.
LA would boast three wideouts at the top of their depth chart capable of running virtually any route, winning on jump balls, and blocking in the run game. That sort of versatility, in addition to their tight end-heavy packages, would make the Rams an even more difficult matchup.
GettyMatthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams could bolster their group with DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins has lobbied to play with Joe Burrow on the Cincinnati Bengals, and he left the door open to a reunion with Kyler Murray on the Minnesota Vikings.
The Rams can offer Hopkins a chance to play with reigning MVP Matthew Stafford.
Hopkins can offer the Rams someone who has a 1,006-13,295-85 career line and has been durable. He has missed one game over the past three seasons. That came amid his trade from the Titans to the Chiefs in 2024.
The Rams are seeking their second Super Bowl berth (and win) with Stafford. Hopkins is seeking his first win of his career.
Perhaps the two sides can help each other in 2026.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He's based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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