Browns still “lurking” on DeAndre Hopkins

It seems like the connection between the Cleveland Browns and free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will not go away. According to a report from ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, the Browns are still “lurking” on Hopkins. This comes after being considered “unlikely” to sign the free agent earlier this month.

While the New England Patriots sound like the leaders, the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers are still lurking on DeAndre Hopkins, per Sal Paolantonio on ESPN Radio.

— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) June 27, 2023

The Browns are not the only team lurking while Hopkins remains a free agent. Paolantonio stated that the Carolina Panthers are also still somewhat in the mix. However the leader for Hopkins is the New England Patriots according to the report. The allure of New England is hard to turn down, even in the post-Tom Brady era. Hopkins decision about potentially joining the Patriots will say quite a lot about the current state of the Patriots operation.

Browns-Hopkins connection and fit

The connection here is quite obvious as Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson played with DeAndre Hopkins in Houston. Watson has even publicly stated that he would love to have Hopkins in Cleveland if things played out that way. Most quarterbacks would want a player the caliber of Hopkins on their team, even if he is entering the latter stages of his career.

As far as fit is concerned, that is where things get a bit murky. The Browns currently have Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones as their top two wideouts. Cleveland went out and acquired Elijah Moore from the Jets earlier in the offseason and even signed Marquise Goodwin to provide some speed to a group that was clearly lacking it. Barring any sort of trade or injury, there really is not a clear path for Hopkins at this point. That being said, when the opportunity to add in someone the caliber of Hopkins arises you make it work. Dismissing it solely on the premise on lack of snaps is a fool’s endeavor and one that usually ends up costing someone in a position of power their job.

Do not count out the Browns just yet

Even though the Browns are not considered a favorite having been relegated to lurker status, it would be unwise to discount their chances of signing DeAndre Hopkins. Cleveland has been down this road with a few notable players such as Jadeveon Clowney and Deshaun Watson. The Browns pursued Clowney heavily multiple times and were even spurned by the first overall pick before signing him at a later date. Watson initially ruled out Cleveland before changing course and deciding to come to the Browns on a then record deal.

If there is a lesson here, it is that counting out the Browns when they are still in the mix for a player late in the free agency period. Cleveland has struck before and it is very possible they will strike again.