Former Pro-Bowl wide receiver at the Kentucky Derby says he wants to play with Joe Burrow
NFL star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins just publicly picked his next dream quarterback. At the Kentucky Derby, Hopkins told Sports Illustrated, “I gotta go with Joe Burrow,” then laid it out plainly. Burrow’s talent, toughness, Super Bowl résumé, and the idea that he can get back “with a little bit of help.
” MORE: ‘ Inside the NBA’ trolls Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini drama in pre-game graphic Hopkins Knows Exactly What He’s Saying DeAndre Hopkins isn’t wrong about Joe Burrow—and he’s not naive about the situation either. The Cincinnati Bengals already have one of the league’s best receiver duos in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. That reality matters.
Because while Hopkins may want Cincinnati, the Bengals don’t necessarily need him. Nov 27, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Deandre Hopkins (10) reacts after making a reception for a first down during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Hopkins’ recent numbers tell the story.
In 2025, with the Baltimore Ravens: 22 catches 330 yards 2 touchdowns In 2024: 56 catches 610 yards 5 touchdowns That’s productive—but not dominant. It’s not the kind of output that forces a team like Cincinnati to restructure its offense or salary cap to make room. What the Bengals Would Actually Be Adding If the Bengals did sign Hopkins, they wouldn’t be getting a WR1—or even a WR2.
They’d be adding a high-end WR3. And that still has real value: A receiver who can win one-on-one matchups A reliable red-zone option A weapon when defenses double Chase or Higgins There’s a clear drop-off after the top two in Cincinnati, and Hopkins could fill that gap, helping Joe Burrow. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks for hands to shake after the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan.