The DeAndre Hopkins sweepstakes seemed like it was winding down. While it has been reported that he will take his time with his decision, it sounded like it was only a two-horse race.
Since being released by the Arizona Cardinals over a month ago, his choices had reportedly been narrowed down to two teams; the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans. They were the two franchises to host him for a visit and each reportedly put an offer on the table.
However, another layer has been added to the story. The teams that are reportedly interested in DeAndre Hopkins have doubled. According to Sal Palantonio of ESPN, via Brad Stainbrook of the Orange and Brown Report, the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers are lurking as potential suitors for the former All-Pro wide receiver.
Stainbrook did make sure to note that the Titans and Patriots are still considered the favorites.
The connection for DeAndre Hopkins to the Browns is an easy one to make. Deshaun Watson is their starting quarterback and he was under center with the Houston Texans for a few seasons when DeAndre Hopkins was on the team.
They were a dynamic duo and teaming up again is something each of them could be open to. A wide receiver isn’t the most pressing need for Cleveland, but if bringing in a former teammate will help Watson get on track, they will consider it.
For the Panthers, the fit is tougher to understand. They did trade D.J. Moore as part of the package to land the No. 1 pick from the Chicago Bears, so a void was created at wide receiver. However, they already signed DJ Chark and Adam Thielen in free agency and have Terrace Marshall Jr. as well.
That is a lot of depth, but the quickest way for a young quarterback to develop is to have elite talent around him. Carolina is likely intrigued by the idea of adding DeAndre Hopkins, who is still a legitimate No. 1 option when on the field, to the offense to aid No. 1 pick Bryce Young during his rookie season.
After weeks of not hearing much on the DeAndre Hopkins front, his market is heating up along with the summer weather. This is something to keep an eye on as his next landing spot will have a ripple effect throughout the league.
