NFL insider expects one team to jump into DeAndre Hopkins sweepstakes late

The race to sign DeAndre Hopkins is in a lull which might benefit the Chiefs as a late contender who could swoop in after clearing cap space.

The moment DeAndre Hopkins became available, the Chiefs were mentioned as suitor. They even reportedly tried to work out a trade deal before the Cardinals released the star wide receiver.

However, Kansas City hasn’t been involved in the latest wave of Hopkins rumors. He’s visited the Titans and the Patriots, who continue to look like the favorites to sign him.

There is still hope for Chiefs fans hoping to see D-Hop in Andy Reid’s offense. The links between Hopkins and Kansas City aren’t going away and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler just named them as a team to watch as Hopkins’ free agency journey meanders through the remainder of the offseason.

Chiefs could pounce on DeAndre Hopkins closer to training camp

Here’s what Fowler said on SportsCenter, H/T Adam London of NESN.com.

"“There’s a lull in the action right now. Training camp’s not for a month, not a lot of rush. He met with the Titans, he met with the Patriots. Both teams made clear that they have major interest in signing him. I’m told there is some mutual interest and respect between the Patriots and Hopkins and something could go down. But they couldn’t get that deal done while he was on the visit. You still have teams like maybe the Chiefs that could clear up some money closer to training camp, then they could get in involved. There are some contenders there, but right now, he is staying put and waiting for the right situation.”"

Basically, Hopkins isn’t in a rush to sign with anyone, so he can wait until the last minute to make his choice. That means options out of left-field remain a threat to the teams at the front of the line right now.

Patriots fans were so invested in getting him signed on his visit to New England for this exact reason. Any day, the Chiefs could perk up and decide they do need to upgrade their wide receiver corps.

After the Chiefs clear cap space with Chris Jones’ anticipated extension, things could get a whole lot more interesting on the Hopkins front.