NFL rumors: Chiefs still not out of DeAndre Hopkins sweepstakes

DeAndre Hopkins has a list of suitors and, while it seemed like his landing spots might be dwindling, don’t count out the Chiefs just yet. 

Just when you thought the DeAndre Hopkins market was starting to take the clearest shape yet, we get a wrench thrown into the mix. This time, it’s in the form of the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

For the past few weeks, it’s seemed as if Hopkins’ eventual landing spot would come down to one of the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans or Detroit Lions. Sure, other teams haven’t totally been ruled out, but given the money the wide receiver is looking for in addition to this time of the offseason, signing with one of those teams seemed a logical conclusion.

The Chiefs might throw logic to the wind, however.

ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler mentioned in an appearance on the network this week that Kansas City has kept in touch with Hopkins throughout the process and that a deal still can’t be ruled out.

NFL rumors: Chiefs are still in touch with DeAndre Hopkins

Even coming off the second Lombardi Trophy of the Patrick Mahomes era, adding Hopkins still makes a ton of sense for the Chiefs given the current depth chart.

Kansas City believes wholly that 2022 trade acquisition and former Giants first-round pick Kadarius Toney can be the No. 1 receiver in the offense. However, he’s joined by Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, Justyn Ross, Richie James and rookie Rahsee Rice, all of whom are either role players or unproven in the NFL.

While Hopkins might not have the physical ability he once did, he still offers a veteran presence who could play a massive role in such a prolific offense with an all-world quarterback.

The big hurdle for the Chiefs, of course, is that they are currently mulling an extension for star defensive tackle Chris Jones and aren’t exactly flush with cap space. With Hopkins seeking something near a top-of-market deal, that could be a hindrance in a potential signing getting done.

But what we do know is that DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs isn’t something the door is shut on. And that’s definitely worth watching as the rich could get exponentially richer.