DeAndre Hopkins says he has “a lot ball left,” but isn’t rushing to become a regular-season superstar. With his contract situation unresolved as training camps approach, he points to the kind of role he wants—and what kind of team would fit him best.
DeAndre Hopkins can still talk like a player who expects to be on the field soon—but he’s doing it in a way that suggests speed isn’t the priority.
Weeks before training camps open around the league, the veteran wide receiver remains a free agent. During an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Hopkins said he has “a lot ball left” and made it clear he isn’t trying to “force” anything with a signing.
The reason wasn’t about confidence. It was about timing and mindset. Hopkins said his focus isn’t on making the type of regular-season plays younger receivers are chasing to “establish themselves.” Instead, he framed this stage of his career around what comes next contract-wise.
“Going into year 14, I would love to play for a competitor if that time came,” Hopkins said. Then he added: “I’m not in no rush to go out and be a regular-season superstar because for me, I’m not getting a contract extension.”
That line lands with weight because it points to what’s driving him now: not the spotlight, not the chase, but the conditions. Hopkins also called himself a “special situation kind of guy” at this point in his career.
He used third downs as an example of the situations where he believes he fits best. The open question is whether a contender will see that same value clearly enough to build him into its plans for the coming season.
Last season, Hopkins averaged 15 yards a catch on 22 receptions with the Ravens. It’s a stat line that suggests he still has usable production—yet his own comments make one thing equally clear: the decision ahead of him isn’t just about finding a quarterback. It’s about choosing the right football situation, at the right moment in year 14.
DeAndre Hopkins NFL free agent Ravens training camps SiriusXM NFL Radio wide receiver third downs
So he’s “free” but like… will he actually play this year? idk man.
Sounds like he’s just waiting for the Ravens to call him back lol. “Calmer return” translates to he’s not getting what he wants on a new deal.
I don’t get the whole contract extension talk. If he’s still averaging 15 yards a catch why wouldn’t teams lock him up fast? Feels like this is more ego than football.
Year 14 and he wants “a competitor” not a superstar role… okay but third downs? Isn’t that just where good receivers are anyway? Also he was with the Ravens last year so I’m like why not just stay put if he likes the situation?